Dubai, UAE. 17 November 2013 – Orders at the Dubai Airshow kept coming thick and fast, at a record-breaking breaking pace at the first day in the Dubai World Central (DWC) new venue.
Following on from a record-breaking morning order intake of US$192.3 billion, the afternoon saw Etihad Airways up the buying stakes with a US$26.9 billion order for 87 Airbus aircraft, plus purchase rights for a further 30.
The deal – for 50 A350s, 36 Airbus A320/A321neo and an A330-220F freighter - includes related engines. The A320/A321neos are scheduled for delivery from 2018, while the A350s will be delivered from 2020 onwards.
Etihad’s newly-purchased A350s will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, while the Airbus A330-200 freighter will be driven by two Trent 700s. Meanwhile the A320/A321neos will be powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines.
Etihad also announced a ‘step-change in global aviation’ with the launch of its first-branded regional operation, Etihad Regional, after taking a 33.3 per cent share in Swiss carrier Darwin Airline.
CEO James Hogan said the purchase opened up Europe to travellers on Etihad-branded aircraft. The announcement was followed swiftly by news of Etihad Airways new daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, from June 1, 2014, complementing its existing Geneva route.
Airbus was also celebrating a Dubai Airshow deal with Qatar Airways for five A330-200Fs, including eight options in a deal worth potentially worth over US $2.8 billion at list prices.
Dubai Airshow is organised under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in co-operation with Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, Dubai World Central and the UAE Armed Forces.
For F&E Aerospace, contact: Gemma L’Appanna, PR Manager – T: +971 4603 3300 M: +971 555 163 914; E: gemma.lappanna@dubai.aero