Etihad Confident Amid Boeing Delivery Delays

Etihad Airways maintains that it can withstand the current turbulence in Boeing’s delivery schedules, even as it advances a multibillion-dollar fleet renewal anchored by a substantial wide-body order. Speaking on CNBC’s “Access Middle East,” Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the Abu Dhabi–based carrier has adopted a more diligent approach to fleet planning, granting it the flexibility to absorb delays without compromising growth or service quality.

Neves pointed to the airline’s diversified order book, which spans both Boeing and Airbus wide-body jets, as a buffer against single-source disruptions. In late 2021, Etihad placed a landmark order for 71 new aircraft, including 25 Boeing 777X ultra-long-haul jets and 21 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, alongside 25 Airbus A350-1000s. The mixed fleet strategy, he explained, allows Etihad to deploy aircraft where they best fit route demand and to adjust delivery timing when manufacturers face production challenges.

“Our careful pacing of deliveries means we are not overexposed to any one supply chain,” Neves said. “When Boeing experiences setbacks, we rely on our agreements with Airbus and leasing partners to keep our network flying at planned capacity.” He highlighted recent lease extensions for existing Boeing 787s and targeted A320neo family deployments to maintain regional connectivity while awaiting wide-body additions.

Etihad’s fleet overhaul is central to its Vision 2030 growth roadmap, which aims to increase annual passenger volumes from 12 million today to over 20 million within five years. The airline is refurbishing cabins across its current Boeing 777 and 787 fleet, standardizing in-flight products and enhancing fuel efficiency through aerodynamic modifications and engine retrofits. Neves emphasized that delivering consistently high service standards during the transition is as critical as meeting expansion targets.

Despite Boeing’s well-documented production hurdles—stemming from supply chain bottlenecks and factory retooling—Neves expressed confidence in constructive dialogue with the U.S. manufacturer. He noted that Boeing’s recent commitments to boost monthly output and prioritize engines for long-haul operators align with Etihad’s delivery windows, reducing the likelihood of prolonged disruption.

To further mitigate risks, Etihad has strengthened partnerships with lessors and ramped up supplemental schedules on existing aircraft. The airline has also expanded codeshare agreements with fellow members of the Etihad Airways Partners alliance, ensuring passengers can access alternative flights seamlessly when capacity shortfalls arise. “Our goal is uninterrupted service,” Neves said. “Every contingency is in place to manage any hiccups in aircraft deliveries.”

Financially, Etihad reported a return to profitability in the last quarter, driven by rising premium traffic on routes to Europe, North America and Australia. Cargo operations, which rely largely on belly-hold capacity in wide-bodies, have rebounded strongly, helping to offset any marginal capacity constraints. Neves underscored that maintaining cargo reliability during delivery delays remains a top priority, particularly as global supply chains remain fragile.

Looking ahead, Etihad will take delivery of its first A350-1000s this summer, allowing the carrier to inaugurate non-stop services to markets such as São Paulo and Johannesburg. The addition of these fuel-efficient jets will also support the airline’s environmental ambitions, helping to reduce carbon emissions per seat by up to 25 percent. Neves reaffirmed Etihad’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, noting that modern wide-bodies play a pivotal role in that journey.

As Boeing works to clear its backlog, Etihad’s balanced fleet plan and proactive measures position the airline to keep growth on track. “Flexibility is our strongest asset,” Neves concluded. “By aligning orders, leases and network strategy, we ensure that aircraft delivery delays do not translate into service disruptions or lost opportunities in a competitive global market.”

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnbc.com