Etihad Airways set a new record in July 2025, marking its busiest month ever for aircraft deliveries. The airline added five new planes to its fleet, a milestone that supports Etihad’s rapid growth and its goal to become a leading global carrier.
In July 2025, Etihad Airways received one Airbus A321LR, two Boeing 787 Dreamliners, one Airbus A350-1000, and one Airbus A320ceo. This brought the airline’s total fleet size to 106 aircraft, with an average age of just 8.7 years—making it one of the youngest fleets worldwide. According to Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, “July was a remarkable month,” highlighting how these aircraft deliveries show the airline’s commitment to growth and better guest experiences.
The new Airbus A321LR is especially important. It is the first of its kind in Etihad’s fleet and will start flying commercially on August 1, 2025, between Abu Dhabi and Phuket. This plane introduces luxury First Suites and lie-flat Business seats to short- and medium-haul flights, a first for the region. Etihad plans to use the A321LR on other routes, including Algiers, Bangkok, Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, and Zurich.
Etihad Airways has big plans for the future. The airline expects to add 20 more aircraft each year in 2025 and 2026, aiming for a fleet size of 200 by 2030. Over the past year, Etihad carried more than 20 million passengers, doubling its 2022 numbers. The target is to reach 21.5 million passengers by the end of 2025 and up to 39 million annually by 2030. The airline’s network now covers nearly 100 destinations, with 27 new routes announced and more flights on existing ones.
The aircraft deliveries help Etihad increase capacity, offer more destinations, and improve the passenger experience. The new planes also support the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪’s economic goals by making Abu Dhabi a stronger global aviation hub. Etihad’s Corporate Communications team says the fleet expansion is key to supporting the country’s economic diversification.
Aviation experts see Etihad’s fast-growing fleet as a smart move to meet rising travel demand after the pandemic. The airline’s focus on premium cabins, even on smaller planes, sets it apart in the region. The UAE 🇦🇪 government supports this growth, as it fits with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, which aims to boost tourism, trade, and economic growth.
Etihad’s step-by-step process for adding new planes includes choosing the right aircraft for each route, accepting delivery from manufacturers, training crews, and assigning planes to routes based on demand. The airline then announces new services and highlights improved features for travelers.
Travelers can expect more choices, better comfort, and new premium experiences on both short and long flights. As reported by VisaVerge.com, Etihad’s modern fleet also means better fuel efficiency and lower emissions, helping the environment.
For more details on Etihad Airways’ fleet and routes, visit the official Etihad website. For information on international travel requirements, the UAE government portal offers up-to-date guidance.
Learn Today
Fleet size → The total number of aircraft an airline operates at a given time.
Aircraft deliveries → The process of receiving new airplanes from manufacturers to add to the fleet.
Airbus A321LR → A long-range, narrow-body aircraft ideal for medium-haul routes with enhanced passenger comforts.
Lie-flat Business seats → Business class seats that recline fully flat, providing maximum comfort on flights.
Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 → A strategic plan to diversify Abu Dhabi’s economy and enhance tourism and aviation sectors.
This Article in a Nutshell
Etihad Airways marked July 2025 with record aircraft deliveries, adding five new planes and expanding its young fleet to 106 aircraft. The new A321LR, debuting August 1, enhances short-haul luxury travel. With ambitious growth targets for fleet size and passenger numbers, Etihad supports Abu Dhabi’s global aviation hub goals.
— By VisaVerge.com
