Etihad Airways plans to spend up to USD1bn on cabin retrofits for approximately 50 aircraft, starting with its B787 and B777 fleets, due to delivery delays from manufacturers.
The airline operates ten B787-10s, thirty-three B787-9s, and nine B777-300ERs, and will later retrofit other widebody aircraft except for its A380-800s and five A350-1000s currently in operation.
Etihad aims to expand its fleet from 102 to around 150 aircraft within five years, with ongoing talks for new large widebody orders from Airbus and Boeing as part of its USD 7bn investment plan.
The retrofit program, set to begin in late 2025, will include a complete cabin overhaul with high-speed internet and new entertainment systems, driven by supply chain challenges in acquiring business class seats and toilets.
