How Investor Influence is Accelerating Changes at Southwest Airlines

Etihad Airways is investing nearly $1 billion in a retrofit program for its older Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner fleets to enhance travel experiences and ensure service consistency across its widebody fleet. CEO Antonoaldo Neves emphasized the importance of uniformity, planning upgrades for around 50 aircraft, including new business class seats and updated in-flight entertainment systems. Delays in the Boeing 777X deliveries, now expected in 2026, have influenced this decision. The retrofit is part of a larger $7 billion investment plan to expand the fleet from 102 to about 150 aircraft by 2030, including various new models from Boeing and Airbus.