Etihad Airways is investing $20 billion in new aircraft and customer experience. As part of the investment, the company will take delivery of 15 Airbus A330s over five years, with operations starting in September 2027, and implement a $1 billion fleet upgrade program for its existing fleet.
Etihad is presenting the initiative in conjunction with the Arabian Travel Market, ATM, where the airline is showcasing the new cabin for the Airbus A330.
The aircraft type will primarily be used on regional and medium-haul routes in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The 15 aircraft will be delivered to the fleet over a five-year period.
The initiative is part of Etihad's Beyond Borders concept, which will be gradually introduced on new and existing aircraft and also includes lounges, meals, service and connectivity.
Four first class suites in the new A330
Etihad's new A330 will have three cabin classes with a total of 280 seats.
First class consists of four suites with closing doors. Business class has 24 fully reclining seats with direct aisle access and sliding doors.
Economy class has 252 seats, 32 of which have extra legroom.
Etihad also said it will increase the number of first class seats in its fleet over the next five years, both through the delivery of new aircraft and through upgrades to existing aircraft.
One billion dollars to upgrade the fleet
The total investment of $20 billion includes both new aircraft and customer experience investments, according to Etihad. Of this amount, $1 billion is earmarked for an upgrade program for the existing fleet.
“Now we are taking the next step. Our new A330 will have a completely new cabin while creating greater consistency in the onboard experience,” says Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves.
The Airbus A321LR is also included in the initiative. The aircraft type has suites in first class and fully reclining seats in business class, and will gradually receive the same design language as the new A330 aircraft.
Beyond Borders to be introduced more broadly
Previously launched as Etihad’s new overarching customer experience concept, Beyond Borders is now being fleshed out through the new cabins and wider fleet rollout.
According to Etihad, the changes will also be noticeable outside the aircraft and will gradually include lounges, food, convenience products, well-being and connectivity.
Etihad states that further parts of the initiative will be presented in the coming months.
