Ethiad to buy further Dreamliners
December 14, 2011
Etihad Airways said yesterday it would buy 10 more B787-9 Dreamliners in a deal which will make it the largest operator of the aircraft type in the world.
The airline has also ordered another two B777 freighters for its fast-growing Etihad Crystal Cargo operation.
The 12 additional aircraft are valued at US$2.8 billion at current list prices.
The extra Dreamliners mean Etihad Airways will now take delivery of 41 B787s between late 2014 and 2019.
Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan said: “The 777 freighter offers highly attractive operating economics and will facilitate our global expansion plans by allowing us to transport cargo into new markets from our hub in Abu Dhabi.”
The two extra freighters mean Etihad Airways will have a fleet of 21 B777s (18 passenger aircraft and three freighters). The cargo fleet also includes two A300-600Fs, two A330-200Fs and two MD11Fs.
“We continually review our operating environment and look to leverage off the great flexibility which we built in to our 2008 fleet order,” added Hogan.
Courtesy of IFW
