Etihad grows its widebody fleet with new A350F and A330neo orders

Etihad Airways has expanded its Airbus widebody fleet by ordering three A350 freighters, bringing its total A350F commitment to 10 aircraft. As of October, Airbus orders and deliveries data showed the airline had seven A350Fs on order.

The airline has also ordered seven additional A350-1000s, increasing its total for the type to 27, and six A330-900s, becoming the latest A330neo customer.

The agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow, where Etihad Airways also announced the commitment of nine A330-900s on lease from Avolon.

“These aircraft strengthen our operations across medium-haul, long-haul, and cargo. The A330neo brings the right combination of efficiency and flexibility for our regional and mid-range growth, while the A350-1000 continues to deliver exceptional performance on our long-haul network. The A350F freighter adds significant capability to our cargo division as global demand continues to expand. Our partnership with Airbus continues to play an important role in shaping our future fleet, and we are proud to be building one of the world’s most modern and efficient widebody operations,” says Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad Airways.

“Etihad Airways’ continued investment in our latest-generation widebody aircraft is a testament to the strength of our partnership and the shared vision we have for the future of aviation in the UAE and beyond,” says Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, Airbus. “The combination of the A350 Family and A330neo will deliver unmatched efficiency and flexibility to Etihad’s operations, supporting its future development.”

The A350F features the largest main deck cargo door in the industry, with fuselage length and capacity optimised around the industry’s standard pallets and containers. The A350F is also the only freighter aircraft that will fully meet the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) enhanced CO₂ emissions standards, coming into effect in 2027. The first A350F has reached major assembly milestones and exited the main assembly station.

The A350 is the world’s most modern widebody aircraft, capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 km) non-stop, setting new standards for intercontinental travel. Its state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics deliver exceptional efficiency and comfort, while latest-generation Rolls-Royce engines and lightweight materials reduce fuel burn, operating costs, and CO2 emissions by 25% compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft.

Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, the A330neo is designed to fly up to 8,100 nautical miles / 15,000 kilometres non-stop and reduces fuel burn, CO2 emissions, and operating cost by 25% compared to previous generation competitor aircraft. The A330neo features the award-winning Airspace cabin, which offers passengers a unique flying experience.

As with all Airbus aircraft, the A330neo and the A350 Family are able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030. At the end of October 2025, the A350 Family had won over 1,400 orders from 64 customers, and the A330 Family had won over 1,900 orders from more than 130 customers worldwide.