Abu Dhabi: The UAE's national airline, Etihad Airways, said yesterday it is purchasing 12 new aircraft valued at $2.8 billion (Dh10.28 billion) at current list prices from Boeing, including 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which will make the Abu Dhabi-based airline the largest operator of the aircraft type in the world.
The other aircraft Etihad is buying are two Boeing 777 freighters for its fast-growing Etihad Crystal Cargo operation.
"The extra Dreamliners mean Etihad Airways will now take delivery of 41 787s between late 2014 and 2019. The airline also has options and purchase rights on 25 more 787s," Etihad said in a statement.
Aviation analysts see the latest order from Etihad as a renewed vote of confidence in Boeing's Dreamliner aircraft.
The 787-9 will carry up to 300 passengers and have a range of 8,000 nautical miles (14,800km), and will be initially used on Etihad Airways' routes to destinations including Dublin, Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Nagoya, Delhi and Istanbul.
"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," said Etihad Airways chief executive officer James Hogan.
"Both the 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 markets from our hub in Abu Dhabi," Hogan said.
Fuel-efficient
The two extra 777 freighters mean Etihad will have a fleet of 21 777s (18 passenger aircraft and three freighters). The cargo fleet also includes two A300-600Fs, two A330-200Fs and two MD11Fs.
"The Dreamliner offers exceptional environmental performance, burning 20 per cent less fuel than other similar-sized aircraft," said Etihad.
Jim Albaugh, chief executive officer for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: "[We] are confident the 787 Dreamliner and the 777 freighter will make valuable contributions to Etihad's growth plans and service."
