Etihad Airways order 12 wide-body Airbus aircraft

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates has signed a firm contract for the purchase of 12 Airbus wide-body aircraft including the newest model in its freighter product range, the A330-200F. The order is for five A330-200s, four A340-600s and three A330-200Fs.

The agreement was signed by James Hogan, Etihad Chief Executive and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers at a ceremony at the 47th International Paris Air show at Le Bourget. Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Airways, and Louis Gallois, Airbus President and CEO also attended the ceremony.

“This aircraft order will enable Etihad to continue its impressive route network growth which now stands at 43 global destinations. Each Airbus aircraft within the new order has been specifically chosen to fit our ambitious development plans” said James Hogan, Etihad Chief Executive

At present, Etihad have a fleet of 21 Airbus aircraft with 11 to be delivered. Taking the latest order into account, the Etihad Airbus fleet will grow to 44 aircraft.

“Etihad is one of the world’s dynamic airlines and we’re delighted we are continuing to build on our partnership. I am particularly proud about Etihad’s faith in our A340 aircraft which really do offer outstanding performance and unparalleled levels passenger comfort. I am also delighted Etihad have chosen the A330 which is simply the leading aircraft type in this sector,” said John Leahy.

The A330 wide-body aircraft is the unquestioned leader in its class with a commanding market share and a continually expanding operator base. It has excellent flexibility for a wide range of route structures, providing the operator with proven low operating cost per seat as well as the widest and most comfortable cabin in its category.

The A330-200F freighter can carry 64 metric tonnes over 4,000 nautical miles/7,400 kilometres or 69 metric tonnes up to 3,200 nautical miles/5,930 kilometres. With unrivalled volume and range capacity in its class and flexibility to carry a wide variety of pallet and container sizes for maximum interlining capability, the A330-200F offers new and established cargo operators to offer new routes with the most modern and economically efficient freighter aircraft.

The A340-600 is the largest member of Airbus’ A330/A340 Family, and is the most modern aircraft in the 250-375-seater segment flying today. With four engines, the A340 offers unrivalled operational economics and flexibility on ultra-long-haul non-stop routes over remote oceans and terrains such as mountain ranges and the Polar Regions.