Includes New Orders For A380s, A350 XWBs

ANN REALTIME REPORTING 07.15.08 1300 EDT: The battle is joined in Farnborough. In addition to a 50-plane deal with Boeing, Etihad Airways announced Monday it will also order 55 Airbus planes... including 10 A380 superjumbo airliners.

The deal is worth about $12 billion US at list prices, according to the airline.

In addition to the A380s, Etihad also placed firm orders for 25 A350 XWBs, and 20 A320 narrowbodies... strengthening the order book for the popular competitor for Boeing's 737, and giving the troubled A380 and A350 XWB programs needed shots-in-the-arm.

Aircraft deliveries will begin in 2011 and be completed in 2020.

"This is a momentous day for Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi," said Etihad CEO James Hogan. "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 realizing these exciting plans in the years ahead."

Tom Enders, Airbus president and CEO, said he was "delighted" with "Airbus' partnership with Etihad Airways... By selecting and ordering the A350, Etihad Airways will have aircraft from across the Airbus range. And the repeat order for the A380 demonstrates the confidence Etihad places in this unique product."

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.etihadairways.com