Etihad Orders 28 Boeing Widebody Aircraft

Etihad Airways Confirms Order for 28 Boeing Widebody Aircraft

Etihad Airways has announced a significant order for 28 Boeing widebody aircraft, signaling a strategic expansion of its fleet to meet anticipated growth in the coming years. The agreement, revealed on May 16, includes a combination of Boeing 777X and 787 models, although the airline has not disclosed the precise breakdown or specific variants within the order.

Strategic Expansion and Fleet Management

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, emphasized that this acquisition reflects the airline’s disciplined approach to fleet management, aimed at scaling capacity in line with evolving market demand and long-term network objectives. Since 2023, Etihad has been steadily increasing its fleet size, and this latest order is intended to position the carrier effectively for future operational requirements.

This move forms part of Etihad’s broader ambition to double its fleet by 2030, following a period of cautious growth after earlier rapid expansion resulted in financial challenges. The Abu Dhabi government, which owns the airline, had previously tempered growth targets to better align with regional competitors such as Emirates and Qatar Airways. However, the airline has now resumed its expansion strategy to capitalize on rising demand both within the Middle East and on international routes.

Fleet Composition and Regional Market Context

According to data from the Aviation Week Network Fleet Discovery database, Etihad currently operates 98 aircraft, with an additional 11 stored or parked. Prior to this latest Boeing order, the airline held outstanding commitments for a diverse fleet, including 20 Airbus A321neos, 14 A350-1000s, seven A350 freighters, 25 Boeing 777Xs, eight 787-9s, and 20 787-10s. The new order may also indicate an impending phase of fleet renewal, potentially involving the retirement of its 10 Airbus A380s, older Boeing 777-300ERs, and two remaining Airbus A330s.

Etihad’s decision coincides with a surge in widebody aircraft orders across the Middle East. Qatar Airways recently announced a major commitment for up to 210 Boeing jets, including 777Xs and 787s, while Saudi lessor AviLease placed an order for up to 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Emirates maintains a substantial backlog with 248 Boeing widebodies on firm order, including 205 777Xs, alongside 61 Airbus A350-900s awaiting delivery. Meanwhile, IndiGo’s order for 30 Airbus A350-900s underscores the intensifying competition between Boeing and Airbus for market share in the region and Asia.

Market Impact and Delivery Schedule

The market has responded positively to Etihad’s order, recognizing Boeing’s growing backlog and strategic foothold in the Middle Eastern aviation sector. Industry analysts anticipate that Airbus will intensify efforts to secure additional orders as airlines continue to seek a balanced fleet composition between the two leading manufacturers.

Deliveries from Etihad’s new Boeing order are expected to commence in 2028, aligning with the airline’s long-term growth strategy and ongoing initiatives to modernize its fleet.