Etihad Airways Boosts Fleet with Three New Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, has proudly announced the addition of three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to its fleet this weekend, a significant move in its journey toward ambitious growth targets. These state-of-the-art aircraft were welcomed at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport, marking a milestone in the airline's expansion efforts. The new Dreamliners will commence operations this month, supporting Etihad's strategic roadmap to operate over 160 aircraft to 125 destinations by 2030.
Antonoaldo Neves, the CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed enthusiasm about the new arrivals, emphasizing their importance to the airline's network expansion and commitment to Abu Dhabi. He highlighted the intention to attract more visitors to experience the UAE's capital, either as their final destination or as a stopover point. The addition of these aircraft is timely, coinciding with the introduction of new destinations and increased flight frequencies to key markets.
With the 787-9s joining the fleet, Etihad is set to launch flights to Boston, Nairobi, Bali, and seasonal routes to Nice, Malaga, Mykonos, and Santorini. This follows the introduction of new routes to Osaka, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, and cities in the Kerala region of India, along with a Boeing 787-10 received in October 2023, which already contributed to the network's growth. The airline's fleet expansion and increased flight frequencies underscore its efforts to enhance connectivity across its network.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its fuel efficiency—up to 25% more than comparable models—plays a crucial role in Etihad's sustainability goals. The airline now boasts 43 Dreamliners in its 88-aircraft fleet, which also includes the Airbus A380, A350, A320 family, and Boeing 777.
Etihad's new Dreamliners offer an unmatched flying experience, featuring a two-class cabin with 32 Business Suites and 271 Economy seats. The Business cabin introduces the world's first Elements seat by Collins on a Boeing 787, offering unparalleled space, comfort, and privacy. Economy class benefits from lighter, more fuel-efficient seats, enhancing passenger comfort and space. The aircraft also features the latest in-flight entertainment and connectivity solutions, including high-speed Wi-Fi, Live TV, and the option for guests to enjoy complimentary or unlimited data packages.
This fleet expansion not only strengthens Etihad Airways' position as a leading global airline but also reaffirms its commitment to providing a superior travel experience while advancing its sustainability and network growth objectives.