In a significant development for the Boeing widebody orderbook and global fleet strategies, FlightGlobal aviation journalist Jon Hemmerdinger reports that Etihad Airways cancelled some Boeing widebody orders in November 2025, reducing its Boeing commitments by 16 jets even as it expanded Airbus aircraft orders.
The data, published on 9 December 2025, shows Etihad scrubbed specific 787 and 777X commitments against a backdrop of shifting demand dynamics for long-haul aircraft.
This shift occurred during a month when Boeing continued to record substantial gross orders, illustrating a broader industry recalibration between Boeing and Airbus widebody demand.
What Happened: Order Changes in November
In November, Etihad adjusted its Boeing orderbook:
- Cancelled 7 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
- Cancelled 15 Boeing 777X aircraft.
- Placed orders for 6 new Boeing 787s, resulting in net cancellations of 16 widebodies.
After these changes, Etihad still held orders for 38 Boeing jets across 787 and 777X variants.
Industry Context: Boeing Widebody Orderbook
Boeing’s November 2025 update on orders and deliveries showed:
- 164 gross orders across Boeing products.
- Cancellations not only from Etihad but also from other carriers including Air Canada.
- Net Boeing order activity remained positive despite some airline cancellations.
This underscores how airline fleet decisions vary amid long-term delivery timelines and evolving global travel demand.
Why This Matters
Fleet Strategy Implications
Etihad’s decision to reduce Boeing widebody commitments suggests:
- A strategy balancing capacity, delivery timing, and aircraft performance.
- A pivot alongside new Airbus commitments including A330-900, A350-1000, and freighter aircraft.
- Adaptability in long-haul fleet composition amid industry supply constraints.
Competitive Dynamics
The move reflects broader dynamics in the Boeing vs Airbus widebody market. Airbus has secured multiple orders from Etihad and other carriers, while Boeing grapples with delivery backlogs and certification timelines for the 777X.
Expert and Official Commentary
While the original FlightGlobal article did not include direct quotes from Etihad or Boeing spokespeople, further reporting indicates:
- Etihad continues to optimize its network expansion with a diversified fleet.
- Boeing’s December 2025 deliveries and backlog reports point to healthy orderbook fundamentals but ongoing airline realignment.
(Specific expert quotes to be integrated as available from airline CFO statements or industry analysis reports.)
Timeline — Etihad & Airbus Commitments
- November 2025: Etihad announces large Airbus orders (A330-900, A350 variants).
- November 2025: Boeing reports cancellations including Etihad’s 777X reductions.
- December 9 2025: FlightGlobal publishes orderbook update.
What’s Next? Industry Outlook
Aircraft delivery cadence: Boeing’s 777X certification timeline extends into the late 2020s. Airlines like Etihad must balance fleet growth against delivery certainty.
Market impact: The Etihad Boeing order cancellations story underscores industry adaptation amid complex supply chains, delivery delays, and competitive ordering between Airbus and Boeing.Airline strategy: Expect airlines to continue flexing order books based on fuel efficiency, route demand, and geopolitical factors influencing fleet cost optimization.
Source
- FlightGlobal, “Etihad cancelled some Boeing widebody orders in November” Airframers section, December 2025
