Dubai: Boeing said on Thursday it delivered Etihad Airways’ first 787-9 Dreamliner sporting the airline’s new livery, which was revealed recently. The aircraft is the first of the 71 Dreamliners that the Abu Dhabi-based carrier has on order, which includes forty-one 787-9s and thirty 787-10s, Boeing said in a statement. It added that Etihad Airways will also be the first airline in the Middle East to operate the 787-9.
The airline plans to first use the aircraft on routes to cities such as Düsseldorf, Washington DC, Mumbai, Brisbane and Moscow, according to Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer for Etihad Airways. “And will have over 70 within the fleet, once our order is complete,” he said in a statement, adding that the aircraft meets Etihad’s requirements on these routes.
In addition to bringing big-jet ranges to mid-sized aeroplanes, Boeing said that the 787 provides airlines with greater fuel efficiency. The family uses 20 to 30 per cent less fuel with 20 to 30 per cent fewer emissions than the aeroplanes they replace, according to the US plane maker.
“Etihad Airways has already made a considerable impact with its new and innovative interiors offering to passengers, and we look forward to the 787 playing a key role in delivering on its promise of quality and profitability,” said Marty Bentrott, vice-president, Sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
According to Boeing, as of November 30, 58 customers have ordered 1,055 787s.
