ABU DHABI (Reuters) – Etihad Airways of the United Arab Emirates said Friday it had signed a $1.09 billion deal with U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing for five wide-bodied 777-300ER planes.
The airline said in a statement that the aircraft, its first from Boeing, would be delivered in 2005 with the first plane scheduled for October, followed by two each in November and December. It did not say who will supply the engines.
Etihad Airways Chairman Ahmed bin Saif al-Nahyan said the early delivery of the planes would facilitate the airline’s expansion to long-haul destinations in Asia and North America.
“This airplane fits so well with our fleet objectives for expansion,” he added.
In July, Etihad Airways signed a memorandum of understanding with plane manufacturer Airbus for up to 36 planes worth as much as $7 billion.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, launched last year, is one of several fast-growing airlines in the Gulf, where big state budgets and a desire to boost tourism to the region have led to a surge in demand for new aircraft.
Emirates Airlines, based in Dubai, and Qatar Airways have also recently placed orders for large planes from Airbus and Boeing (BA: Research, Estimates).
http://money.cnn.com/2004/09/10/news/international/boeing_uae.reut/
More money spent from Etihad!
By: steve rowell - 11th September 2004 at 12:19
or A346. And Qantas wants a Long Range Plane, A345 or 777LR
My reliable sources tell me the 777-300ER is almost home and hosed
By: tenthije - 11th September 2004 at 10:57
I would not be surprise if Gulf Air gets dissolved. That airline has been set up by a handful of nations in the Gulf so serve their markets. Now that need is increasingly served by large domestic airlines. Emirates. Etihad, Qatar, Oman Air…. As long as Gulf Air makes a profit they will stay around, but I do not expect a bailout if things go wrong.
By: beistrich - 11th September 2004 at 10:47
Qantas have A330’s with 12 A380’s on order, and i believe they’re on the verge
of ordering quite a significant number of 777-300ER’s
or A346. And Qantas wants a Long Range Plane, A345 or 777LR
By: steve rowell - 11th September 2004 at 03:10
A330s, A380s, and 777s. Odd mix really, look to be immitating Emirates in every possible way. Expect A340s next? :/
Qantas have A330’s with 12 A380’s on order, and i believe they’re on the verge
of ordering quite a significant number of 777-300ER’s
By: danairboy - 10th September 2004 at 23:24
Love Gulf Air. Full Stop.
By: andrewm - 10th September 2004 at 23:21
Love Gulf Airs Livery!!!
By: danairboy - 10th September 2004 at 22:41
I feel sorry for Gulf Air they have served the region for years and then along comes Emirates, Oman air and now Etihad taking business away from their hubs. What next a Bahrain Airways nicking the Bahrain business.
By: Grey Area - 10th September 2004 at 22:35
Well, I’ll be damned!! You’re only right. 😮
OK, danairboy you can get all uncalm again now….. :diablo:
By: bmi-star - 10th September 2004 at 22:34
Deffo they r from Abu Dhabi!
By: Mark L - 10th September 2004 at 22:09
U sure Grey? All their flights operate to Abu Dhabi!
Looks like they are trying to do an Emirates to be honest, and at the rate Gulf Air is going it shouldn’t be too difficult to push them over on the way.
By: Grey Area - 10th September 2004 at 21:52
Errrrrr…..calm down, danairboy. Etihad are from Dubai, not Abu Dhabi. :rolleyes:
By: beistrich - 10th September 2004 at 21:47
A330s, A380s, and 777s. Odd mix really, look to be immitating Emirates in every possible way. Expect A340s next? :/
The (old) order from RIAT: 4 A380, 4 A345, 4 A346 and 12 A332
By: danairboy - 10th September 2004 at 21:44
Abu Dhabi is Gulf Airs teritory, how dare this new airline rain on their parade! Dont let them win GF!
By: Mark L - 10th September 2004 at 21:42
A330s, A380s, and 777s. Odd mix really, look to be immitating Emirates in every possible way. Expect A340s next? :/
By: beistrich - 10th September 2004 at 20:29
you know some boeing-fans have a realy big mouth but dont think about what they say
By: 4 engines good - 10th September 2004 at 15:52
I wonder if we’ll hear the cries of “over-expanding” and the gloomy predictions we heard when they ordered the Airbuses … :rolleyes:
[Note- just some Friday humour- wouldn’t want to start an A v. B ruck] 😉
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September 10, 2004 at 2:32 pm