Etihad Orders 28 Boeing Widebody Aircraft

Posted onAuthorChris Owen

Important Topics to Know:

  • Major Aircraft Order: Etihad Airways has ordered 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft, specifically a mix of 787 Dreamliners and 777X models, powered by GE engines.
  • Strategic Fleet Expansion: This order is a key component of Etihad’s long-term strategy to double its fleet size by 2030 and support its network growth and operational needs.
  • Delivery Timeline: The new aircraft are expected to join Etihad’s fleet starting from 2028 onwards.
  • Economic and Customer Focus: The fleet expansion aims to enhance guest experience, improve operational efficiency, ensure financial self-sustainability, and support Abu Dhabi’s broader economic goals related to aviation, tourism, and trade.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has confirmed an order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft as part of its ambitious long-term growth strategy. This move continues the fleet expansion that began in 2023, with the overarching goal of doubling the airline’s size by 2030. The new order comprises a mix of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X aircraft, all to be powered by GE engines and supported by a GE services package. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2028.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, stated that this commitment aligns with the airline’s approach of carefully managing its fleet and expanding in response to demand and long-term network plans. He emphasized that these consistent fleet additions since 2023 ensure Etihad can meet future requirements.

The new Boeing aircraft will be integral to Etihad’s evolving roadmap, which is currently being finalized to shape the airline’s strategy through to 2035. This strategy aims to enhance connectivity, operational efficiency, and the overall guest experience, while also ensuring the airline remains financially self-sustainable.

Neves also highlighted that this fleet expansion reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing investment in aviation as a critical enabler of connectivity, tourism, and trade, supporting broader economic opportunities within the UAE and beyond. This strategic aircraft acquisition is designed to position Etihad Airways to deliver extraordinary customer experiences and maintain its growth trajectory in the global aviation market.