Ideal solution for most efficient freight operations

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has signed a firm order for two additional A330-200F freighter aircraft to meet their growth plans in the cargo market. The airline was a launch customer and the launch operator of the A330-200F, having taken delivery of its first aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow in 2010. Today’s order will increase the fleet of the airline’s cargo business, Etihad Crystal Cargo, to four A330-200F freighters.

“We are strongly committed to building our presence in the cargo sector with the platform of Abu Dhabi as our hub to connect global trade lanes,” Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr James Hogan, said. “The A330-200F has been a key part of our recent success in the market. We are very pleased with its high reliability and versatility, and that’s why we are keen to expand this fleet type,” he said.

“This repeat order by Etihad underlines the key role the A330-200F is playing alongside larger freighters. The A330-200F enables Etihad to optimise its network by addressing markets which do not make business sense with large freighters,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “In a challenging economic environment, with high fuel prices and yields under pressure, the A330-200F helps match capacity neatly with demand which allows for efficient cargo operations.”

The A330-200F, which has just celebrated a successful first year of efficient operation with a high operational reliability topping 99.5%, can carry up to 70 tonnes of payload and offer a range of up to 4,000nm. Nine A330-200F freighters are now flying with four operators in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

The A330 Family, which spans 200 to 400 seats for the passenger variants, also includes Freighter, VIP, and Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) variants, and has attracted close to 1,200 orders.

26 January 2012 Airbus Press Release

- Order will make Etihad world's largest 787-9 Dreamliner airline customer
- Abu Dhabi-based carrier also orders two Boeing 777 Freighters

Boeing and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today announced an order for 10 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and two Boeing 777 Freighters.



Valued at a combined $2.8 billion at current list prices, this order will make Etihad the world's largest airline customer of the 787-9. Etihad has a total of 41 787s on order.

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."

Founded in 2003, Etihad Airways is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world and currently operates scheduled flights to 84 passenger and cargo destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and North America.

"In less than 10 years Etihad Airways has established an enviable track record and has earned global recognition for its focus on providing its customers with a quality product," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are extremely proud of our partnership with Etihad Airways and are confident the 787 Dreamliner and the 777 Freighter will make valuable contributions to Etihad's growth plans and service for its passenger and freight customers."

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an all-new commercial jetliner that brings new efficiencies to airlines and delivers superior comfort to passengers. The Dreamliner is the fastest-selling twin-aisle airplane in aviation history, with more than 800 orders from 58 customers around the world.

The 777 freighter is the world's longest-range, twin-engine freighter and features the lowest trip cost of any large freighter, with high-cargo density and 10-foot (3.1-meter) interior height capability that complements the popular 747 freighter family.

News Release Issued: ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/