Etihad Airways announced today firm orders for 45 Boeing aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK. The list price for the order is more than US $9 billion.

The Abu Dhabi-based national airline of the United Arab Emirates has signed contracts for:

• 35 B787 aircraft. The engine type is subject to further discussions
• 10 B777-300ER aircraft, powered by GE90 engines

There are also options for a further 25 Boeing 787s and 10 Boeing 777s. In addition, Etihad Airways has agreed purchase rights for a further 10 Boeing 787s and five Boeing 777s. Aircraft deliveries will begin in 2011 and be completed in 2020.

Etihad Airways’ chairman Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan and Etihad chief executive James Hogan announced the order.

James Hogan said: “This is a momentous day for Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi. It reflects the strength and pace of economic growth in the Emirate and the integral role Etihad will play in Abu Dhabi’s future.

“That future will see planned investments in infrastructure and projects within the Emirate likely to exceed US $200 billion during the next 10 years, an aggressive tourism push and enormous residential development. We are extremely proud to play a leading role in realising these exciting plans in the years ahead.

“The size of our order also mirrors the rising prominence of the Middle East and its increasing emergence as a new focal point of global aviation. The Gulf is also a natural air bridge between East and West offering the fastest air links for travellers and freight forwarders.”

A key selection criterion in the deal has been the environmental performance of the aircraft. Mr Hogan added: “The new generation Boeing aircraft we have ordered are amongst the most fuel efficient and will help maintain Etihad’s fleet as one of the youngest and greenest in the sky.”

Boeing chairman, president and chief executive officer Jim McNerney said: “We count Etihad as an outstanding, world-class customer, and congratulate the airline on its remarkable growth. Boeing's commitment to provide the world's most fuel efficient airplanes is clearly demonstrated by both the 777 and 787, and we know Etihad will benefit from the reliability and efficiency these airplanes bring to twin-aisle operations."

Etihad Airways’ chairman Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan said: “The story of Etihad’s growth has been a remarkable one. At every stage of our short history we have surprised people with the scale of our ambition – and at every stage we have delivered on that ambition.

“This Boeing aircraft order is another major step forward in our journey and will enable us to continue our exciting expansion plans by adding new destinations to our growing global network and fulfill our aspirations of bringing Abu Dhabi to the world.”

Since its establishment in 2003, Etihad Airways has been recognised as the fastest growing airline in commercial aviation history. It serves 45 global destinations currently covering Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and North America and this year is on course to carry six million passengers.

So far this year, the airline has started new flights to Beijing in China. August will see Chennai (Madras) and Kozhikode (Calicut) in India, and Minsk in Belarus added to the network. Etihad will also launch new services in December to Moscow in Russia and Almaty in Kazakhstan.

Source: Press Release (Etihad Airways)