Etihad accelerates fleet growth with major Airbus order and Avolon leases

Etihad Airways has unveiled a major expansion of its Airbus fleet at the Dubai Airshow 2025, signing commitments for 32 additional widebody aircraft and securing 13 more jets through a leasing agreement with Avolon.

The announcement was made at a press conference on November 18, 2025, attended by Christian Scherer, the CEO of the Commercial Aircraft division, and Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves. It marked the first commercial order for the European planemaker on the second day of the 2025 Dubai Airshow. 

The airline confirmed a mix of A350-1000s, A350Fs, and A330-900s, with the first deliveries set to start in 2027. While neither party disclosed a precise breakdown of firm orders versus options, Etihad stated that the combined commitments increase its total new widebody acquisitions for this year to 60 aircraft.

Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves mentioned that the A350 is performing very well, with excellent fuel efficiency and low downtime. Neves noted that while a stretched version is possible “conceptually”, it is not a priority. The airline prefers to acquire more A350-1000s, views Asia and Southeast Asia as prime markets for the A330, and anticipates that the new aircraft will allow for increased capacity in other operations. 

Alongside its direct purchase of six A330-900s, Etihad has agreed to lease nine more A330neos from Avolon, bringing the future A330neo fleet to 15 aircraft. Avolon will also supply four A320neo family aircraft from its order book. Deliveries from the lessor are scheduled for 2027 and 2028.

Etihad described the incoming widebody and narrowbody jets as critical to supporting growth across Abu Dhabi and expanding both its medium-haul and short-haul networks. The carrier’s operating fleet stood at 115 aircraft as of November 17, serving more than 100 destinations worldwide.

Neves said the new aircraft provide the “flexibility and efficiency” needed for the airline’s next growth cycle. “The A330neo will play a key role in strengthening our medium-haul network, while the A320neo family supports our short-haul expansion and enhances connectivity through Abu Dhabi,” he said.

Avolon CEO Andy Cronin welcomed Etihad’s decision to expand with the A330neo, calling it “a strong endorsement for the programme” at a time of high demand for widebody capacity. The lessor has 87 A330neos in its owned and committed fleet and was a launch customer for the type in 2014.

AeroTime is covering the Dubai Airshow 2025 live from the show floor, delivering breaking news and exclusive insights throughout the week. Drop by booth #294 to meet our team during the event.The post Etihad accelerates fleet growth with major Airbus order and Avolon leases appeared first on AeroTime.

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