Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International) is in "exploratory" talks with both Airbus and Boeing about a new large widebody order, Bloomberg has reported citing unnamed sources.
The Emirati flag carrier is choosing between the A350s and B777X types, although sources said the talks were not expected to be finalised any time soon. It is also possible that the airline will shun an order altogether.
Etihad Airways is an existing customer for both large widebody types. It operates five A350-1000s with fifteen more on a firm order from Airbus, and also has an order for seven A350Fs. It also has an order for eight B777-8s and seventeen B777-9s, while its current-generation B777 fleet comprises five B777-200Fs and nine B777-300(ER)s. Etihad's widebody fleet also includes ten A380-800s (of which only five are currently active), thirty-three B787-9s (with eight more on order), and ten B787-10s (with twenty more on order).
