UAE’s Etihad confirms Airbus A350 freighter order

Airbus

• CEO says Airbus has developed a remarkable fuel-efficient aircraft
• Abu Dhabi airline signs long-term Airbus Flight Hour Services contract

European planemaker Airbus said that Abu Dhabi state-owned carrier Etihad Airways has confirmed seven new generation A350F freighters jets.

The freighters will upgrade Etihad’s freight capacity by deploying the most efficient cargo aircraft available in the market, Airbus said in a press statement on August 4, 2022.

This order of the A350F sees the UAE national carrier expanding its relationship with Airbus, adding to its existing order of the largest passenger version of A350-1000s, five of which have been delivered.

Tony Douglas, group chief executive officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “This additional cargo capacity will support the unprecedented growth we are experiencing in the Etihad Cargo division.

“Airbus has developed a remarkable fuel-efficient aircraft that, in tandem with the A350-1000 in our passenger fleet, supports our commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” he added.

Etihad has also firmed up a long-term agreement for Airbus’ Flight Hour Services (FHS) to support its entire A350 fleet, to maintain aircraft performance and optimise reliability. This marks the first agreement for an  FHS contract for an A350 fleet in the Middle East, the statement said.

In July, Adel Ahmed Al Redha, chief operating officer of Emirates Airlines, told AGBI that Airbus needs to build bigger planes to create a more sustainable aviation sector.

Currently, the Airbus A380 is the largest ever commercial passenger plane, capable of seating 853 people on two decks, together with perks such as bars and shower spas.