Farnborough Air Show: Etihad Airways announces $9.4 billion order for Boeing planes
15 Jul 2008
Boeing and Etihad Airways announced an order for 35 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 777-300ERs (Extended Range) at the Farnborough Airshow. The order is valued at $9.4 billion at current list prices.
"The new-generation Boeing aircraft we have ordered are among the most fuel efficient and will help maintain Etihad's fleet as one of the youngest and greenest in the sky," said James Hogan, Etihad Airways' CEO. "The size of our order also mirrors the rising prominence of the Middle East and its increasing emergence as a new focal point of global aviation offering the fastest air links for travelers and freight forwarders."
Launching commercial operations in November 2003, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has grown rapidly to offer service to 45 destinations. It carried 2.8 million passengers during the first six months of 2008, compared to nearly 2 million for the same period in 2007.
"We count Etihad as an outstanding, world-class customer, and we congratulate the airline on its remarkable growth," said Boeing chairman, president and CEO Jim McNerney. "Boeing's commitment to provide the world's most fuel-efficient airplanes is clearly demonstrated by both the 777 and 787, and we know Etihad will benefit from the reliability and efficiency these airplanes bring to twin-aisle operations."
The 787 Dreamliner is forecast to use 20 per cent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size.
According to Boeing, fifty-eight customers around the world have ordered nearly 900 Dreamliners since the programme was launched in April 2004, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history.
The 777 family of airplanes is the market leader in the 300-to-400-seat segment. The 777-300ER is the world's largest long-range twin-engine jetliner, capable of carrying 365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 kilometers).
