Tue, Dec 13, 2011
Makes The Mid-East Carrier Boeing's Biggest Customer For The
New Airliner
The national airline of the United Arab Emirates has placed an
order for ten 787-9 Dreamliners, along with two B777 freighters.
The announcement was made jointly Monday by Boeing and Etihad
Airways. Valued at a combined $2.8 billion at current list prices,
this order brings the number of 787s Etihad plans to acquire to 41,
making it Boeing's largest customer for its new composite
airliner.
The order also increases Etihad's current Boeing 777 backlog to
12 airplanes, which includes 10 previously ordered 777-300ERs
(extended range). The Abu Dhabi-based airline's fleet currently
includes eight Boeing 777-300ERs and one 777 Freighter.
"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, Mr. James Hogan. "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. 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."
The announcement comes as Boeing has one of its former test 787s
on a world tour in an effort to bolster the order book for the
airplane. ZA003 touched down in Ethiopia's capital Sunday to kick
off the Africa portion of the tour – a six-month worldwide
jaunt featuring the Dreamliner. This is the first time the
Dreamliner has visited the African continent.
The Dream Tour airplane was shown in Addis Ababa, the capital of
Ethiopia and home to Ethiopian Airlines, Dec. 11-14 before
traveling to Nairobi, Kenya. "Aviation throughout Africa continues
to grow at a pace faster than the world average and it is airplanes
like the game-changing 787, and airlines like Ethiopian Airlines,
that will help spur that growth," said Van Rex Gallard, vice
president of Sales for Africa, Latin America & Caribbean,
Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787 is the perfect airplane to
carry Africa into the future of aviation due to its low operating
costs, size and range. Boeing is very pleased to showcase this
airplane to the customers who put their faith in Boeing and the
cutting-edge technology of this airplane."
The airplane, ZA003, was originally used for flight testing but
has been refurbished to showcase the standard capabilities and
features of the 787 including an interior that highlights the many
passenger-preferred features of the airplane.
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