Etihad Airways Orders 10 Boeing 787-9s and Two 777 Freighters

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways has announced an order for 10 additional Boeing 787-9s and two Boeing 777 Freighters.

Boeing values the order at $2.8 billion at current list prices and says it will make Etihad Airways the world’s largest airline customer of the Boeing 787-9.

Etihad Airways, which bills itself as the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has a total of 41 787s on order and has optioned another 25.

The order also increases Etihad’s current Boeing 777 backlog to 12 aircraft, among them 10 previously ordered 777-300ERs. The Abu Dhabi-based airline’s fleet currently includes eight Boeing 777-300ERs and one 777 Freighter.

On December 12, 2011, Etihad Airways announced an order for 10 Boeing 787-9s and two Boeing 777 Freighters. The order will make Etihad the world’s largest airline customer of the 787-9. Etihad has a total of 41 787s on order. Pictured here are the 787-9 and 777 Freighter in Etihad livery

“Our decision to expand our Dreamliner fleet is testimony to Etihad’s commitment to operating one of the youngest and most fuel efficient fleets in the skies,” says James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive officer. “It also reflects our confidence in the 787′s ability to have a significant impact on our operating efficiencies and the passenger experience we can offer onboard this revolutionary aircraft.

Adds Hogan: “Both the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the 777 Freighter offer highly attractive operating economics and will facilitate our global expansion plans by allowing us to transport passengers and cargo into new global markets from our hub in Abu Dhabi.”

Founded in 2003, Etihad Airways is one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world and currently operates scheduled flights to 84 passenger and cargo destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and North America.

“In less than 10 years Etihad Airways has established an enviable track record and has earned global recognition for its focus on providing its customers with a quality product,” says Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“We are extremely proud of our partnership with Etihad Airways and are confident the 787 Dreamliner and the 777 Freighter will make valuable contributions to Etihad’s growth plans and service for its passenger and freight customers.”

The Boeing 787 is the fastest-selling twin-aisle aircraft in aviation history, with orders for more than 800 aircraft from 58 customers around the world.

The Boeing 777 Freighter is the world’s longest-range, twin-engine freighter and according to Boeing features the lowest trip cost of any large freighter, with high-cargo density and 10-foot (3.1-meter) interior height capability which complements the popular 747 freighter family.