Boeing, Etihad Airways Announce Twin-Aisle Order

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Etihad Airways today announced an order for 35 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 777-300ERs (Extended Range) at the Farnborough Airshow. Valued at $9.4 billion at current list prices, the order has been attributed on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site to an unidentified customer.

"The new-generation Boeing aircraft we have ordered are among the most fuel efficient and will help maintain Etihad's fleet as one of the youngest and greenest in the sky," said James Hogan, Etihad Airways' CEO. "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 offering the fastest air links for travelers and freight forwarders."

Since beginning commercial operations in November 2003, Etihad Airways has grown rapidly to offer service to 45 destinations. The Abu Dhabi-based airline carried 2.8 million passengers during the first six months of 2008, compared to nearly 2 million for the same period in 2007.
"We count Etihad as an outstanding, world-class customer, and we congratulate the airline on its remarkable growth," said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney. "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."