Makes The Mid-East Carrier Boeing's Biggest Customer For The New Airliner

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates has placed an order for ten 787-9 Dreamliners, along with two B777 freighters. The announcement was made jointly Monday by Boeing and Etihad Airways. Valued at a combined $2.8 billion at current list prices, this order brings the number of 787s Etihad plans to acquire to 41, making it Boeing's largest customer for its new composite airliner.

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."

The announcement comes as Boeing has one of its former test 787s on a world tour in an effort to bolster the order book for the airplane. ZA003 touched down in Ethiopia's capital Sunday to kick off the Africa portion of the tour – a six-month worldwide jaunt featuring the Dreamliner. This is the first time the Dreamliner has visited the African continent.

The Dream Tour airplane was shown in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia and home to Ethiopian Airlines, Dec. 11-14 before traveling to Nairobi, Kenya. "Aviation throughout Africa continues to grow at a pace faster than the world average and it is airplanes like the game-changing 787, and airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, that will help spur that growth," said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of Sales for Africa, Latin America & Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787 is the perfect airplane to carry Africa into the future of aviation due to its low operating costs, size and range. Boeing is very pleased to showcase this airplane to the customers who put their faith in Boeing and the cutting-edge technology of this airplane."

The airplane, ZA003, was originally used for flight testing but has been refurbished to showcase the standard capabilities and features of the 787 including an interior that highlights the many passenger-preferred features of the airplane.

FMI: www.boeing.com