Etihad Plans $1 Billion Fleet Retrofit Amid Record Growth
Etihad Airways has unveiled plans to invest nearly $1 billion in refurbishing its older Boeing 777-300ER and 787 Dreamliner fleets. The retrofit initiative aligns with the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s broader $7 billion investment strategy, set to transform its operations by 2030. This announcement follows a robust financial performance, with a 66% profit increase in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
The retrofit program, starting in 2026, aims to maintain fleet consistency and address delays in new aircraft deliveries from both Airbus and Boeing. Updates will include new business-class seating, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and high-speed internet, ensuring uniformity across the airline’s widebody fleet, excluding its Airbus A380s featuring the exclusive “The Residence” suites.
Etihad currently operates nine Boeing 777-300ERs, 33 Boeing 787-9s, and 10 Boeing 787-10s. With 28 additional 787s and 25 Boeing 777X aircraft on order, the airline retains flexibility in its fleet strategy. CEO Antonoaldo Neves indicated that while the 777X is absent from Etihad’s current five-year plan, the airline holds the option to convert 777X orders into additional 787s if necessary.
The airline’s expansion plans include tripling annual passenger numbers to 33 million and doubling its fleet size to 150 aircraft by 2030. Etihad aims to add 10 new destinations annually, building on its recent launch of flights to Al Alamein, Egypt, with further route announcements expected soon.
Neves emphasized a conservative approach to future fleet growth, favoring smaller, incremental aircraft orders over large-scale commitments. This strategy, he stated, allows Etihad to adapt to market conditions while maintaining operational flexibility.
With plans for a potential stock market listing and ongoing investments in fleet upgrades, Etihad is positioning itself as a leader in the competitive Gulf aviation market.
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