Etihad Airways announced yesterday at the Dubai Air Show 2015 it will take delivery of two Boeing 777 Freighter aircraft.
The decision to exercise the option on the freighter conversions, which were part of the carrier’s $67 billion mixed fleet order for 199 aircraft in 2013, was unveiled on the opening day of the event.
The additional aircraft, valued at $637 million at list prices, are due for delivery next year. They will be part of Etihad Cargo, the airline’s freighter arm, which currently operates three Boeing 777Fs, three Boeing 747 Freighters and four Airbus A330 Freighters.
Etihad Cargo serves 11 freighter destinations worldwide from its Abu Dhabi hub and has bellyhold capacity on Etihad Airways’ fleet of 109 passenger aircraft.
Etihad Airways president and chief executive officer (CEO), James Hogan, says: “Etihad Airways is delighted to exercise options for two freighters that will join our fleet next year, demonstrating our confidence and commitment to our partners at Boeing and to the global freight market.
“As we continue growing our freighter fleet and network, together with our partners we are able to provide a comprehensive, extensive and compelling global offering for the benefit of our customers.”
“We value our partnership with Etihad Airways and are honoured they continue to place their trust in our products,” says Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“The Boeing 777 Freighter, the world’s longest twin-engine freighter, continues to have unmatched efficiency which translates into significant savings for our customers.”
Etihad Cargo is an integral part of Etihad Airways’ business worth over $1 billion last year with 568,000 tonnes of freight carried, up 17 per cent on 2013.
