DUBAI: Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad put in an order for 16 Airbus aircraft on Tuesday, part of its efforts to expand as its economic fortunes improve.

The order includes six A330-900s, seven A350-1000s and three A350F freighters, the two firms said at a news conference. They did not offer a cost for the deal. Airlines often negotiate lower prices in major orders.

Etihad made a record USD 476 million profit in 2024, part of a financial rebound for the Abu Dhabi-based airline. While still a slender profit compared to rival Emirates' record profits of USD 5.2 billion in the last fiscal year, it continues a major turnaround for Etihad.

Abu Dhabi's rulers launched Etihad in 2003, rivalling the established Dubai government-owned carrier Emirates, which boasts a larger fleet and a far

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