Etihad orders 82 wide-body Boeing aircraft

(WAM) / 17 November 2013

The order represents an investment of up to US$ 25.2 billion at list prices, including related engines. 

Ray Conner, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes; James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways; and David Joyce, GE Aviation’s president and chief executive officer.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced a firm order for 56 new Boeing wide-body aircraft, with options and purchase rights for a further 26, to support its continued global expansion.
The order represents an investment of up to US$ 25.2 billion at list prices, including related engines.
The deal, unveiled at the Dubai Airshow, includes 25 next-generation Boeing 777X aircraft, of which 17 are 777-9X and eight are 777-8X aircraft. Etihad Airways is the first airline to order the 777-8X and will be a launch customer for the aircraft, which is expected to enter service around the end of the decade.
The airline also ordered 30 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners.
Today’s announcement makes Etihad Airways the largest airline customer for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner when combined with its previous orders for 41 of the Boeing 787-9 variant, and will includes the milestone 1,000th Boeing 787 Dreamliner to be ordered. It also ordered one Boeing 777-200 freighter.
James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, said: “This is a significant, timely and essential order for us, as we celebrate our 10^th anniversary and plan for our next decade and beyond.
“In just 10 years, we have grown from a start-up carrier to a global airline. This order enables us to build upon our achievements, using the next generation of aircraft to support our next generation of development.
“Boeing has been a long term strategic partner for Etihad Airways throughout that journey, playing an integral role in our growth. I am delighted that we are extending our relationship, bringing industry-leading aircraft into our modern fleet.”
The aircraft will be used by Etihad Airways to launch flights to new destinations, add capacity in existing markets and progressively replace existing, less-efficient aircraft.
Mr. Hogan said the deal would also provide direct economic benefits domestically and internationally.
“This deal is good for Etihad Airways, it is good for Boeing and it is also good for economic development both in the UAE and in the US. In the US, this order translates into a direct impact on America’s gross domestic product and supports employment throughout the aerospace supply chain.”
All the aircraft in this order will be powered by General Electric GE9X, GEnx and GE90 engines.
Ray Conner, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “We are very proud of our relationship with Etihad Airways, which began nine years ago with an order for five 777-300ERs.

“It is gratifying that as one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, Etihad Airways continues to have confidence in Boeing’s products by selecting the 777X and by increasing its order for the 787 Dreamliner. We look forward to further strengthening this partnership as Etihad Airways continues to build its position as a forerunner in the global aviation industry.”