Etihad Orders 3 Airbus A350s for Cargo Operations

Etihad Airways Expands Cargo Fleet with Additional Airbus A350 Freighters

ABU DHABI – In a strategic move to bolster its cargo operations, Etihad Airways (EY), the national airline of the UAE, has opted to acquire three additional Airbus A350 freighters. This expansion increases their total order to ten A350 aircraft, a decision driven by the surging demand in the e-commerce sector.

Stanislas Brun, Vice President of Cargo at Etihad, discussed this significant development in an interview with Freightwaves, underscoring the airline’s commitment to adapting to the booming e-commerce market.

Etihad’s Strategic Airbus A350 Order

Initially, Etihad Airways placed an order for seven A350 cargo jets in 2022. However, the rapid escalation in e-commerce shipments from Asia to global consumers has prompted the airline to expand its fleet further. Recent industry data indicates that over 20% of worldwide air cargo volumes are now linked to e-commerce platforms, with around 60% of air shipments from the Hong Kong region emanating from Chinese online marketplaces.

Currently, Etihad operates five Boeing 777 freighters and utilizes cargo space within its passenger fleet. The airline has strategically streamlined its operations by returning some leased aircraft and selling those that no longer fit its operational needs. The recent board approval for the additional A350F aircraft signals an ambitious growth plan to increase its freighter fleet from five to 15 aircraft within the next five years.

Delivery Timeline for the A350 Freighters

Airbus is set to commence commercial deliveries of the A350 freighter in 2026, with Air Lease Corp. as the initial customer. While specific delivery dates for Etihad Airways remain under discussion, the introduction of the A350F has been delayed from late 2025 to 2026 due to necessary certification processes related to a new cargo door configuration.

The A350 freighter will feature advanced capabilities, including a payload capacity of up to 122 tons and a range of 4,700 nautical miles. Its innovative design includes the industry’s largest main deck cargo door and an airframe made from over 70% advanced materials. According to Airbus, these features, combined with efficient Rolls Royce engines, will result in a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to older models like the Boeing 777 and 747-400.

Continued Growth in Cargo Revenue

Etihad Airways has reported impressive cargo revenue figures, totaling $808 million in the first nine months of 2024—a 21% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The airline attributes this growth to improved capacity, higher shipment volumes, and more favorable pricing strategies.

Brun noted that restricted air capacity in China has compelled logistics providers to seek alternative routes for shipments destined for Europe and North America. The air cargo market has demonstrated resilience throughout 2024, with consistent demand surpassing typical seasonal fluctuations. Brun described the current market as robust, with no notable volume spikes expected ahead of the holiday shopping season.

In September, Etihad Cargo further strengthened its position by signing a memorandum of understanding with China’s SF Express to establish a joint venture. This partnership aims to deliver a unified logistics solution, reflecting the growing demand for e-commerce and express shipping services.

Focus on Asian Routes

While Etihad Airways continues to expand its global operations, it has recently halted freighter services to the United States, including the withdrawal of its Chicago route in July. This decision allows the airline to concentrate on more profitable routes in Asia. However, Etihad maintains passenger flights to the U.S. from key cities such as Chicago, New York, Boston, and Washington, with daily service to Boston introduced in November.

In addition to fleet expansion, Etihad’s cargo operations will soon benefit from a state-of-the-art facility currently under construction at Zayed International Airport.

For more information about Etihad Airways’ cargo operations and fleet expansions, visit Etihad Cargo or check out Airbus.

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