Etihad has followed the strategy of its UAE neighbour Emirates by deciding to split its long-haul fleet acquisition between Airbus and Boeing.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline has placed an order for five Boeing 777-300ERs, two months after signing a major deal with Airbus at July's Farnborough air show for up to 24 A330-200s, A340-500/600s and A380s.
The General Electric GE90-115B-powered 777s will be delivered from October next year. Emirates has already opted for a similar Airbus/Boeing mix.
* Aeromexico has ordered eight more Boeing 737-700s next year, and arranged to lease two more. Panama's Copa has ordered two 737-700s for delivery in 2006 and will take a -700 and -800 next year on lease.
Source: Flight International
