Broughton: Etihad places major Airbus order including A330neo fleet
Etihad Airways has announced a significant expansion of its Airbus widebody fleet with a firm order for six A330-900s, becoming the newest A330neo customer.
The airline has also placed orders for seven more A350-1000s and three additional A350F aircraft. Wings for both the A330neo and the A350 family are manufactured at the Airbus site in Broughton.
The agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow, where Etihad also confirmed a commitment to lease nine A330-900s 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,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said: “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. The combination of the A350 Family and A330neo will deliver unmatched efficiency and flexibility to Etihad’s operations, supporting its future development.”
Airbus describes the A350 as its most modern widebody aircraft, capable of flying up to 9,700 nautical miles using lightweight materials and new Rolls-Royce engines designed to reduce fuel burn, operating costs and CO₂ emissions by 25 per cent compared with previous generation competitors.
The A350F includes the largest main deck cargo door in the sector and is the only freighter expected to fully meet upcoming ICAO CO₂ emissions standards that take effect in 2027. Assembly of the test aircraft is underway in Toulouse.
The A330neo, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, can fly up to 8,100 nautical miles and offers a 25 per cent improvement in fuel burn, emissions and cost compared with older models. It features the Airspace cabin.
Both aircraft types can operate with up to 50 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel, with Airbus targeting 100 per cent SAF capability by 2030.
At the end of October 2025, the A350 Family had received more than 1,400 orders from 64 customers. The A330 Family had secured more than 1,900 orders from over 130 customers worldwide.
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