Etihad Airways Buys 55 Airbus Aircraft, Including the A380 and A350

Etihad Airways Buys 55 Airbus Aircraft, Including the A380 and A350 July 15, 2008: Etihad announced orders for 55 Airbus, including ten A380s, and 45 Boeing aircraft on the first day of the Farnborough air show. (Airbus photo)Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has signed a firm contract for the purchase of 20 A320s, 25 A350 XWBs and 10 Airbus A380 aircraft. The agreement was signed by James Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways and Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO during a ceremony at the 46th Farnborough International Air Show. “The new generation Airbus aircraft we have ordered are amongst the most fuel efficient and will help maintain Etihad’s fleet as one of the youngest and greenest in the sky. “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,” said James Hogan. Today, Etihad Airways’ fleet of Airbus aircraft comprises 30 passenger aircraft with an additional 17 to be delivered from existing orders. Etihad Airways also has two Airbus Freighter aircraft. In taking the latest order for 55 aircraft into account, Etihad Airways’ total Airbus fleet will grow to 104 aircraft. “We are delighted Airbus’ partnership with Etihad Airways continues to grow. By selecting and ordering the A350, Etihad Airways will have aircraft from the entire Airbus product range. And the additional order for the A380 demonstrates the confidence Etihad places in this unique product. Airbus is rightfully proud that a dynamic airline like Etihad Airways recognises the value of the operational commonality, efficiency and performance that only Airbus aircraft deliver,” said Tom Enders. The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly by wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. Around 6,200 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and more than 3,500 delivered to some 280 customers and operators worldwide, making it the worlds’ best selling commercial jetliner ever. The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family is Airbus’ response to widespread market demand for a series of highly efficient medium-capacity long-range wide-body aircraft. With a range of up to 8,300 nm / 15,400 km, it is available in three basic passenger versions: the A350-800 accommodating 270 passengers, the A350-900 seating 314, and the A350-1000 for 350 passengers in a typical three-class layout. Orders for the aircraft stand at more than 350 from over 20 customers. Being greener, cleaner, quieter and smarter, the A380 is already setting new standards for air transport and the environment. In addition to offering unequalled levels of passenger comfort, space and quietness in the cabin, the A380 has unmatched levels of operating costs and fuel efficiency, consuming less than three litres per passenger per 100 kilometres. The A380 not only complies with today’s noise limits, it is also significantly quieter than any other large aircraft flying today. With a range of 8 200 nm / 15 200 km, and seating 525 passengers in a standard three-class layout while being much more eco-efficient, the A380 is the ideal equipment to alleviate traffic congestion at busy airports, while coping with growth. Orders for the aircraft stand at about 200 from over 15 customers.