Etihad Airways is soaring to new heights. The national airline of the UAE has announced a significant expansion of its widebody fleet, adding 32 Airbus aircraft to its lineup. This bold move reinforces Etihad’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing full-service carriers and sets the stage for an exciting future in global travel.
🚀 What’s Coming to the Skies
Starting in 2027, travelers can expect to see brand-new aircraft joining Etihad’s fleet—one of the earliest delivery slots available in today’s highly competitive aviation market. The order includes:
- A350-1000s for long-haul journeys, offering more capacity and comfort
- A350F freighters to boost Etihad Cargo’s role in global trade
- A330-900s to support regional and mid-haul routes
This expansion follows Etihad’s earlier commitment to 28 Boeing widebody aircraft, bringing the airline’s total new orders in 2025 to a staggering 60 aircraft across Airbus and Boeing.
🌍 Why This Matters for Travelers
Etihad’s rapid fleet growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about experiences. By securing scarce early delivery slots, the airline ensures passengers will enjoy new aircraft sooner than most competitors can offer. For travelers, this means:
- More destinations with increased long-haul capacity
- Consistent comfort across the fleet thanks to next-generation cabins
- Faster connections through Abu Dhabi, which continues to grow as a global aviation hub
🛋️ Premium Travel, Elevated
Every new aircraft will feature Etihad’s next-generation First, Business, and enhanced Economy cabins, along with Viasat high-speed internet. Combined with ongoing cabin upgrades across the fleet, passengers can expect a seamless, world-class experience whether flying short-haul or long-haul.
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves summed it up best: “Securing 32 additional widebodies – with deliveries beginning in 2027 – demonstrates Etihad’s ability to move fast, secure scarce delivery positions, and stay ahead of global capacity constraints. These commitments ensure we can continue our growth trajectory, deliver more premium experiences, and bring even more visitors to Abu Dhabi.”
Airbus EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry echoed the excitement: “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 Big Picture
With this expansion, Etihad will operate the entire Airbus widebody family—from the iconic A380 to the A350 and A330neo—alongside its growing Boeing fleet. The result? One of the most modern, efficient, and flexible long-haul fleets in the world.
For travelers, this means more choice, more comfort, and more opportunities to explore the world through Abu Dhabi.
👉 DRIFTtravel Takeaway: Etihad’s fleet expansion isn’t just about planes—it’s about people. More aircraft means more routes, more premium experiences, and more reasons to put Abu Dhabi on your travel map.
