FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 14, 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Etihad Airways today announced an order for 35 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 777-300ERs (Extended Range) at the Farnborough Airshow. Valued at $9.4 billion at current list prices, the order has been attributed on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries Web site to an unidentified customer.

"The new-generation Boeing aircraft we have ordered are among the most fuel efficient and will help maintain Etihad's fleet as one of the youngest and greenest in the sky," said James Hogan, Etihad Airways' CEO. "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 offering the fastest air links for travelers and freight forwarders." .

Since beginning commercial operations in November 2003, Etihad Airways has grown rapidly to offer service to 45 destinations. The Abu Dhabi-based airline carried 2.8 million passengers during the first six months of 2008, compared to nearly 2 million for the same period in 2007.

"We count Etihad as an outstanding, world-class customer, and we congratulate the airline on its remarkable growth," said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney. "Boeing's commitment to provide the world's most fuel-efficient airplanes is clearly demonstrated by both the 777 and 787, and we know Etihad will benefit from the reliability and efficiency these airplanes bring to twin-aisle operations."

Additional Information:

The 787 Dreamliner offers passengers a better flying experience and provides airline operators greater efficiency to better serve the point-to-point routes and additional frequencies passengers prefer. The technologically-advanced 787 will use 20 percent less fuel than today's airplanes of comparable size, provide airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity and present passengers with innovations that include a new interior environment with cleaner air, larger windows, more stowage space, improved lighting and other passenger-preferred conveniences.

Fifty-eight customers around the world have ordered nearly 900 787s since the program was launched in April 2004, making the 787 Dreamliner the fastest-selling new commercial jetliner in history.

The 777 family of airplanes is the market leader in the 300-to-400-seat segment. The 777 is preferred by airlines around the world because of its fuel efficiency, reliability and spacious passenger cabin. The 777-300ER is the world's largest long-range twin-engine jetliner, capable of carrying 365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 kilometers).

Boeing featured its first 787 in a rollout ceremony on July 8, 2007 at its Everett assembly factory. It is the fastest-selling wide body airliner in history with nearly 600 orders. Originally scheduled to enter service in May 2008, production has been delayed and it is currently scheduled to enter into service in late 2009.

Due to more composite use for The 787, it is lighter-weight construction and made the most fuel efficient and a great big cargo space but it's light. Its materials (by weight) are: 50% composite, 20% aluminum, 15% titanium, 10% steel, 5% other. Composite materials are significantly lighter and stronger than traditional aircraft materials, making the 787 a very light aircraft for its capabilities. By volume, the 787 will be 80% composite. Each 787 contains approximately 35 tonnes of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, made with 23 tonnes of carbon fiber. Composites are used on fuselage, wings, tail, doors, and interior. Aluminum is used on wing and tail leading edges, titanium used mainly on engines with steel used in various places.

Here are 777-300 and 777-300ER Specification:

Etihad is the flag carrier of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Etihad is based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.

Etihad Airways has been recognised as the fastest growing airlines in commercial aviation. In 2007, it carried more than 4.6 million passengers, up from only 340,000 in its first full year of operations in 2004. In the first six months of 2008, it carried 2.8 million passengers, 41 per cent more passengers than the same period the year before. By the end of 2008, it expects to carry more than six million passengers in total.
Congratulations Etihad
35 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 777-300ERs at Farnborough 2008 Air Show !!!!

Source: Boeing Company

Wikipedia

Reported by Sandra Englund