Etihad Airways Orders 28 Boeing Jets Including 777X and 787 Models

Etihad Airways Confirms $14.5 Billion Order for 28 Boeing Wide-Body Jets

Strategic Fleet Expansion Amid Regional Competition

Etihad Airways has announced a substantial order for 28 Boeing wide-body aircraft, comprising the latest 777X and 787 Dreamliner models, in a deal valued at $14.5 billion. This commitment follows a wave of significant aircraft acquisitions by Middle Eastern carriers, notably Qatar Airways’ recent agreement to purchase up to 210 Boeing jets. The move highlights the intensifying competition in the region, particularly with Emirates, as airlines seek to modernize their fleets to accommodate rising passenger demand and enhance their global networks.

Although Etihad has not specified the exact distribution between the 777X and 787 variants, deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2028. The order represents a key component of Etihad’s ongoing fleet renewal and expansion strategy, designed to align with its long-term growth objectives and network development plans.

Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, Antonoaldo Neves, emphasized the strategic nature of the acquisition, stating, “This commitment reflects our approach of carefully managing our fleet and expanding in line with demand and our long-term network plans. Since 2023, we’ve made consistent additions to our fleet, and this latest step ensures we continue to meet our future requirements. This addition reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing investment in aviation as a key enabler of connectivity, tourism, and trade. Etihad’s continued growth supports broader economic opportunity in the UAE and beyond.”

Current Fleet Composition and Future Plans

Presently, Etihad operates a diverse fleet of approximately 95 passenger aircraft, including six Airbus A350-1000s, seven Airbus A380s, nine Boeing 777-300ERs, 33 Boeing 787-9s, and 10 Boeing 787-10s. The airline’s “Journey 2030” strategy outlines ambitious expansion targets, with existing orders for 14 additional Airbus A350s and nearly 30 Boeing 787s already in place. Furthermore, Etihad is preparing to introduce the Airbus A321LR, a narrow-body aircraft featuring a premium cabin, marking a significant evolution in its fleet composition.

Reinstating and Restructuring Previous Commitments

This latest Boeing order effectively reinstates a prior commitment made in 2013, when Etihad placed an order for 25 Boeing 777X aircraft, including eight 777-8s and 17 777-9s. That initial order was subsequently restructured, and the 777X program was temporarily excluded from the airline’s five-year plan. The renewed order signals a renewed focus on long-term fleet modernization, with the 777X expected to assume a central role in Etihad’s future operations.

Industry analysts anticipate that the 777X will eventually replace Etihad’s Airbus A380s on key premium routes, potentially featuring a redesigned first-class cabin as the airline reinvests in its luxury product offerings. This transition is viewed as critical for maintaining competitiveness against regional rivals such as Emirates.

Market Response and Strategic Outlook

The market has reacted positively to Etihad’s announcement, interpreting it as a strong endorsement of Boeing’s wide-body aircraft and a vote of confidence in the airline’s growth trajectory. The order is expected to enhance Etihad’s operational efficiency and support Abu Dhabi’s broader ambitions to establish itself as a leading global aviation hub.

As Etihad positions itself for the coming decade, the timely delivery of these aircraft from Boeing will be essential to achieving its ambitious expansion and modernization objectives.