Etihad’s expansion fuelled by $67 billion order
Last week was a big milestone for Etihad’s expansion plans. The airline announced that they have ordered a massive US $67 billion of aircraft and engines at the Dubai Airshow. PrivateFly’s Head of Operations, Algy Trotter, assesses the impact.
Etihad’s huge order, announced last week, was the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s largest ever fleet order. They have agreed to buy a total of 199 aircraft, which include the following:
25 Boeing 777X aircraft, (17x 777-9X & 8x 777-8X)
1 x Boeing 777 Freighter
30 x Boeing Dreamliners
50 x Airbus 350
36 x Airbus 320
1 x Airbus 330 Freighter
The 777 holds amazing appeal for airlines. Boeing have been accused of developing the aircraft exclusively for their Middle Eastern airline clients, but the fact of the matter it is an unbelievably good product for airlines anywhere.
The next-generation 777-8x and 777-9x will essentially assist in Emirates and Etihad’s goal in making the Emirates aviation’s global hub. – The amazing range of the 777-8x may also see the advent of high-capacity ultra-long range flights like Guangzhou to New York or Dubai to Los Angeles
I think the A350 will have a slower start but will be a big hit with European airlines who do not necessarily have the huge purchasing power of the Middle Eastern airlines.
It’s also worth noting that the A380 is most likely the last four-engined airliner that will ever be built. In the future we will see more enormous twin-engine jets.
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