Etihad COO discusses fleet plans, operational efficiency and US$1 billion revamp

Etihad Airways captured the headlines on the second day of the Dubai Airshow 2025 when it announced it was ordering dozens of widebody Airbus aircraft, some directly from the European aircraft manufacturer, and others via leasing firm Avolon. 

In addition to an incremental order for six A350-1000 aircraft and three A350 freighters, the airline’s order for 15 A330neo aircraft drew particular attention. 

The order will see the return of the A330 to Etihad’s fleet, albeit in its latest and most modern version, the A330-900neo. The Abu Dhabi carrier had previously operated the type in its legacy versions, the A330-200 and the A330-300, until 2021. 

The A330neos will add diversity to a fleet which has also seen the recent arrival of the first A321LR aircraft, one of which was exhibited by Etihad at the Dubai Airshow’s static display.  

During the Dubai Airshow 2025, AeroTime was able to meet with Etihad’s Chief Operations and Guests Officer (COO), Capt. Majed Al Marzouqi to learn more about the designs Etihad has for its fleet, present and future. Al Marzouqi also explained how these choices will help consolidate the path to profitability that the airline has taken over the course of the last couple of years since the arrival of CEO Antonoaldo Neves. 

Capt. Majed Al Marzouqi at the Dubai Airshow. Picture: AeroTimeBoosting efficiency key to profitability 

Al Marzouqi explained that boosting efficiency across the board has been key to the airline’s profitability. In early November 2025, Etihad posted a record profit of Dh1.7 billion ($463 million) for the first nine months of the year, a 26% increase over the same period in 2024.   

Al Marzouqi also attributed the inauguration of the new terminal at Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi as an important role in boosting the efficiency of the airline. In addition to significantly improving the passenger experience, this new state-of-the-art facility has allowed Etihad to make better use of the runways as well as reduce taxiing and turn-around times, boosting the daily utilization rate to a rather remarkable 14 hours per aircraft per day. 

Investment in efficiency-boosting technology has also been a contributing factor. Al Marzouqi highlighted investment in AI-driven processes and the fact that technology has also helped significantly reduce fuel costs. Etihad has recently embarked on pilot programs in collaboration with GE Aerospace to monitor and minimize fuel consumption, something that has already started to deliver results.   

These combined efforts have led to achievements such as the airline becoming the first in the world to bring the use of aircraft auxiliary power units (APU) to under one hour per day. 

Fleet planning decisions 

Al Marzouqi also praised the A321LR, which, despite having been on Etihad service for just a few weeks, has shown “outstanding performance”. He also explained that customers are giving this narrowbody aircraft NPS scores on par with widebody aircraft.  

AeroTime saw the A321LR at the show’s static display and was able to capture some photographs of the aircraft’s state-of-the-art cabin. Despite its relatively small cabin, Etihad has fitted its A321LR aircraft in a three-class configuration which includes two first class suites at the front, as well as a business and economy class, which also feature some extra-large seats. 

When it comes to the A330neos, Al Marzouqi highlighted the fact that Etihad will be able to receive these aircraft within a couple of years. This is a remarkable time frame considering the fierce market competition to secure widebody capacity. 

Al Marzouqi said he was not concerned about the additional complexity the A330neos may bring to the fleet since this is an aircraft type with which Etihad is already familiar, having operated earlier versions not long ago. 

He also explained that Etihad’s long-haul workhorse, the Boeing 787, will keep its role, even after the arrival of the A330s.The Dreamliners will continue to operate services to Europe and Asia as well as some ultra-long-range services to North America, while the A330s will play a more regional role on flights of up to nine hours “from Dublin to Manila,” Al Marzouqi stated.”  

Al Marzouqi also discussed the future of the A380, which Etihad currently uses on a handful of high-demand routes, such as Abu Dhabi to London-Heathrow (LHR), New York (JFK), and Singapore (SIN).  

“The A380 is here to stay for the long run,” he stated. 

Al Marzouqi explained that of the 10 A380s in Etihad’s fleet, seven have returned to service after the long pandemic-induced hiatus. The eighth and ninth units will be reactivated in 2026, and one aircraft will be kept for spares. 

When asked about the lengthy period of time that Etihad has waited to (almost) fully reactivate its A380 fleet, Al Marzouqi said this reflects Etihad’s aim for “smart growth” and agility, deploying assets only when an opportunity is spotted. He also highlighted how the reactivation had been trailing an increase in passenger numbers. 

Between 2023 and 2025, Etihad has grown from carrying 10 million passengers per year to 20 million. The airline’s initial goal of carrying 30 million passengers by 2030 is already out of date, with the airline now aiming for 37 million annual passengers by the end of the decade. 

Billion-dollar investment 

Etihad will also heavily invest in revamping its product. In 2027, it plans to launch a US$1 billion investment program that will see a full retrofit of all its cabins, as well as other customer touchpoints.  

The premium passenger experience is being streamlined with a raft of new services. In this regard, Etihad is rolling out a premium concierge service for first class passengers which includes a home check-in service to complement its meet and greet service, and the renovation of its premium lounges at different locations. 

At the same time, Etihad has also added flexibility at the top, unbundling its premium product, similar to other market segments.  

This way, Etihad is able to offer several flavors of its business class, catering to different passenger segments, from those that only want premium seating to those who wish the whole package, including lounge access and a chauffeured drive to the airport. 

“We are on a journey,” stated Al Marzouqi, remarking on the airline’s ambitious plans. The post Etihad COO discusses fleet plans, operational efficiency and US$1 billion revamp appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source