Middle Eastern airlines: Comparing fleets of Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad

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Middle Eastern airlines: Comparing fleets of Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad

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Etihad Airways | Official Website

By Sky Industry News

Jul 19, 2025

The three largest airlines in the Middle East—Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways—serve as major connectors between continents. Their strategic locations allow them to serve as stopover points for travelers between Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and even the Americas.

Emirates operates out of Dubai International Airport with a fleet consisting entirely of widebody aircraft. It currently has 254 passenger planes and is known for its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300ERs. The airline plans to expand its fleet with orders for Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 777Xs.

Qatar Airways operates from Doha Hamad International Airport with a slightly smaller fleet of 227 passenger aircraft. Its diverse fleet includes both narrowbody and widebody planes such as the Airbus A320-200s and various models of the Boeing 787. Qatar Airways has significant orders for more Dreamliners.

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Etihad Airways is based in Abu Dhabi and has fewer than 100 passenger planes. Unlike Emirates' all-widebody strategy, Etihad's fleet includes single-aisle A320 family aircraft alongside larger models like the Boeing 787s. The airline focuses on being a boutique carrier rather than a global superconnector.

All three airlines also have freighter divisions that vary in size. Emirates SkyCargo operates out of Al Maktoum International Airport with plans to expand its current fleet of Boeing 777Fs. Qatar Airways holds the largest cargo fleet among the three with numerous orders pending.

In terms of onboard experience, all three carriers offer comparable economy seating but differ in premium offerings like business class configurations and first-class amenities.