ETIHAD Airways placed one of the largest aircraft orders in commercial aviation history at the recently concluded Farnborough International Airshow in the UK.
The total deal for up to 205 wide body and narrow body aircraft is worth approximately $43 billion, at list prices.
The deal comprises 100 firm orders, 55 options and 50 purchase rights in a combination of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
Etihad Airways’ chairman Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan and chief executive James Hogan, announced the orders on the first day of the air show signing separate contracts with Boeing chairman, president and chief executive officer, Jim McNerney and also with Airbus president and chief executive officer, Tom Enders.
The agreement with Airbus comprises firm orders for 55 aircraft: 20 A320s; 25 A350s (powered by Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines) and 10 A380s.
The agreement with Boeing comprises firm orders for 45 aircraft: 35 B787s and 10 B777-300ERs (powered by GE90 engines).
The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery between 2011 and 2020 for Etihad Airways.
James Hogan said, “This is a momentous day for Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi and represents one of the largest aircraft orders in commercial aviation history. The future will see planned investments in infrastructure and projects within the Emirate likely to exceed $200 billion during the next 10 years, an aggressive tourism push and enormous residential development.
“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 and a natural air bridge between East and West offering the fastest air links for travellers and freight forwarders.”