Farnborough Air Show: Etihad Airways places massive $43 billion order for 100 Airbus and Boeing planes
16 Jul 2008
Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi's flag carrier has ordered 100 Airbus and Boeing airplanes, in an order valued at $43 billion, possibly the largest global aircraft order. The mixed-company order comprises 100 firm orders, purchase rights and 55 options, which make for a total of 205 orders.
The Airbus purchase list includes 10 double-decker Airbus A380s, 25 Rolls-Royce engine-powered A350s, and 20 Airbus A320s. Option purchases include 10 A380s and 45 other planes.
Etihad's Boeing shopping list is made up of 35 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 10 B777-300ERs. Etihad has also placed options for 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and 10 Boeing 777-300ERs. It also acquired the purchase rights for 10 Boeing 787s and 7 Boeing 777s.
The Etihad Airways order surprised executives who were not anticipating an order of this magnitude, given the current slump in the aviation industry, mainly due to fuel prices. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier currently operates a fleet of 38 aircraft.
Etihad chief executive James Hogan was quoted as saying that the order reflects the strength and pace of economic growth in the emirate and the integral role that the flag carrier shall play in Abu Dhabi's future. The purchases reflect the airline's remarkable growth in the aviation industry.
Boeing's deliveries are expected between 2011 and 2015, while Airbus is scheduled to deliver its planes between 2011 and 2020.
