Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, celebrated a major milestone as the fastest growing airline in commercial history, when it took delivery of its 100th and 101st aircraft on the same day.
The one hundredth aircraft, a new Airbus A321-231 (registration A6-AEC), was delivered from the Airbus Finkenwerder facility in Hamburg. On arrival in Abu Dhabi, the aircraft was welcomed by over 500 Etihad Airways employees at a specially organised photo-shoot to mark the occasion.
James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “This is an important day for an airline which launched operations just over ten years ago. Etihad Airways continues to grow, to prosper and to lead the way in innovation and service. Today, we fly the most technologically advanced and fuel efficient aircraft available, setting new standards in comfort and reliability.”
The airline now operates three Airbus A321, with seven more on order. This A321 delivery is joined by the airline’s 101st aircraft, an Airbus A320-200 (registration A6-EIX). Both aircraft are equipped with sharklets, which are blended winglets at each wingtip, designed to enhance the payload-range performance, allowing a significant reduction in fuel-burn.
In November 2013, Etihad Airways placed its largest ever aircraft order at the Dubai Airshow with a value of US$67 billion for up to 199 aircraft and 294 engines.
The airline will take delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A380 aircraft in October and December of this year respectively. These aircraft will feature Etihad Airways’ revolutionary new cabins, which were unveiled on 4 May 2014, including for the first time in the airline industry, a luxurious self-contained three room cabin on the A380 known as ‘The Residence’, featuring a separate living room, bathroom and double bedroom.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2013 carried 11.5 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base Etihad Airways flies to 103 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 101 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 220 aircraft on firm order, including 71 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777-X, 62 Airbus A350s and 10 Airbus A380s. Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia, Aer Lingus, Air Serbia and Jet Airways, and is in the process of formalising its equity investment in Swiss-based Etihad Regional.
Etihad Airways operates a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft between Abu Dhabi and Cyprus. It is configured to carry 16 guests in Pearl Business Class and 120 in Coral Economy Class. Etihad Airways operates Larnaca as a daily service during the peak summer period from 1 July to 30 September 2014. Flight EY093 departs from Abu Dhabi at 09:25 (local time) and arrives in Larnaca at 12:50. The return flight, EY094, departs from Larnaca at 14:35 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 19:30 local time. As of 1st October 2014 Etihad Airways will increase its base frequency on the Abu Dhabi – Larnaca to five flights per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
For more information, please visit www.etihad.com
