Etihad Airways Buys 55 Airbus Aircraft, Including the A380 and A350

>Etihad announced orders for 55 Airbus, including ten A380s, and 45 Boeing aircraft on the first day of the Farnborough air show. (Airbus photo)Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has signed a firm contract for the purchase of 20 A320s, 25 A350 XWBs and 10 Airbus A380 aircraft. The agreement was signed by James Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways and Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO during a ceremony at the 46th Farnborough International Air Show.>> The new generation Airbus aircraft we have ordered are amongst the most fuel efficient and will help maintain Etihads fleet as one of the youngest and greenest in the sky. 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, said James Hogan.>> Today, Etihad Airways fleet of Airbus aircraft comprises 30 passenger aircraft with an additional 17 to be delivered from existing orders. Etihad Airways also has two Airbus Freighter aircraft. In taking the latest order for 55 aircraft into account, Etihad Airways total Airbus fleet will grow to 104 aircraft.>> We are delighted Airbus partnership with Etihad Airways continues to grow. By selecting and ordering the A350, Etihad Airways will have aircraft from the entire Airbus product range. And the additional order for the A380 demonstrates the confidence Etihad places in this unique product. Airbus is rightfully proud that a dynamic airline like Etihad Airways recognises the value of the operational commonality, efficiency and performance that only Airbus aircraft deliver, said Tom Enders.