AVIATION: Etihad deepens ties with Europe

Details of Etihad Airways’ commitment to Europe came as the Abu Dhabi-based airline unveiled a stunning new livery design, which will be introduced across its fleet, on its first Airbus A380 at a ceremony at the Airbus Finkenwerder facility in Hamburg, Germany.

Etihad Airways has ordered 10 A380s, which support 9,600 jobs at Airbus in Europe, made up of 3,700 aerospace roles in France; 3,500 in Germany; 1,300 in the United Kingdom; and 1,100 in Spain. The A380 joins the A320, A330 and A340 families in the Etihad Airways fleet. These will be joined in the Etihad Airways fleet in the coming years, by the A350 and the A320neo aircraft.

Airbus is Etihad Airways’ largest European partner and one of its largest global partners, and the airline has committed €30 billion for 189 Airbus aircraft, and installed engines, since its establishment in 2003, helping to secure jobs across the supply chain of the European aerospace industry.

The value of spare engine orders made with Rolls Royce, as well as maintenance contracts with European firms which include major suppliers such as Sogerma, Recaro, and Messier Wheels and others, stands at €5.5 billion.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Etihad Airways is proud to work closely with European partners, particularly Airbus, Rolls Royce and others in the supply chain, and see these investments deliver clear benefits for European consumers and communities. “Our investment – valued at more than €35 billion – will be added to by others as we continue to expand our fleet and operations and we look forward to doing this in partnership with Europe.”

Fabrice Brégier, Airbus’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Since its inception, Etihad Airways has been a consistent partner of Airbus. Its investment in our aircraft underpins Etihad's commitment to revolutionising the industry, as well as supporting the growth of the European aerospace job market.”

Etihad Airways flies 214 existing or announced passenger flights a week between Abu Dhabi and 21 destinations in 16 European countries.

In recent years Etihad Airways has expanded its codeshare partnerships with European airlines as well as investing in airberlin, Aer Lingus, Air Serbia, with regulatory approval pending for Etihad Regional and Alitalia. Through these investments, Etihad Airways and these European partner airlines have achieved significant economic and operational benefits including efficiency gains and cost reductions. Today Etihad Airways works with 21 European partners to create a formidable wave of daily connections from more than 110 European destinations, over Abu Dhabi, to cities across Africa, the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.

Mr. Hogan added: “Together with our partners we’re expanding networks and enhancing schedules and connections to increase choice for consumers.”

A key part of Etihad Airways’ commitment to Europe is the employment of its own staff, with more than 700 staff in downtown and airport locations located in 15 European countries. In addition to direct jobs and those with partner airlines Etihad Airways supports employment in a range of other businesses such as airports, hotels, caterers and transport providers.

Of a total fleet of 104 aircraft Etihad Airways operates 72 Airbus aircraft, including: 29 x A320, 32 x A330 and 11 x A340. Etihad has orders for another 117 Airbus aircraft due to be delivered by 2025, either to expand the fleet or replace older aircraft. These include: 44 x A320 / 321, 10 x A380, 62 x A350 and 1 x A330

Etihad Airways also has purchase rights for 30 additional aircraft.

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 110 existing or announced passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 104 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 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 equity investments in Alitalia and Swiss-based Etihad Regional.