Etihad Airways Plans Moderate Fleet Expansion Amid IPO Ambitions
Etihad Airways, based at Abu Dhabi International, is planning a cautious expansion of its fleet, aiming to increase its size to approximately 150 aircraft over the next five years, up from the current count of around 80, according to CEO Antonoaldo Neves. This update came during an interview with Reuters at an event in the United Arab Emirates.
Neves indicated that while existing aircraft orders would contribute significantly to this growth, Etihad might consider placing additional, albeit small, orders. The airline is in discussions with both Airbus and Boeing and is exploring various options, including taking over cancelled delivery slots or acquiring aircraft from lessors. With over 90 aircraft already on order—not all slated for delivery within the next five years—any new orders are expected to be modest.
Emphasizing flexibility in fleet management, Neves stated, “I’m a big believer in fleet flexibility. I don’t like to lock in big orders. I’ve learned the best thing we can do is have an orderbook that is sizable but does not define the entire future.”
Currently, Etihad operates a diverse fleet, including models from both major aircraft manufacturers. Neves also mentioned a recent visit to Boeing and expressed his impressions of their Boeing 787 delivery initiatives. According to ch-aviation fleets data, Etihad’s existing fleet includes various models such as A320-200s, A321-200s, A330-200s, A350-1000s, A380-800s, Boeing 777-200Fs, Boeing 777-300ERs, Boeing 787-9s, and Boeing 787-10s.
Looking ahead, the airline has substantial orders placed, including twenty A321-200Ns, one A321-200NX, fifteen more A350-1000s, seven A350Fs, eight Boeing 777-8s, seventeen Boeing 777-9s, eight more Boeing 787-9s, and twenty more Boeing 787-10s.
In parallel with its fleet expansion, Etihad is progressing towards an initial public offering (IPO), with Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ADQ leading the effort. The IPO aims to raise up to $1 billion by the end of the year, tapping into robust demand from both local and international investors. Financial institutions involved in the IPO process include Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC, Bank of America, BNP Paribas, and Morgan Stanley, with Citigroup, HSBC Holdings, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Rothschild & Co also playing key advisory roles.
If successful, Etihad Airways would become the first publicly traded Gulf-based airline, marking a significant milestone in the region’s aviation industry. This move follows unsuccessful attempts to float Emirates and ongoing plans to take flynas public.