By Max Kingsley-Jones in Abu Dhabi
Gulf carrier to grow fleet to support planned network of 70 destinations by 2010
Rapidly expanding Gulf carrier Etihad Airways expects to implement the next round of its fleet-acquisition plans by early next year as it evaluates orders for various widebody types including the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier, which launched services in late 2003 with the backing of the emirate's government and styles itself as "the national airline of the United Arab Emirates", has ambitious growth plans similar to those of local rivals Emirates and Qatar Airways. "By the end of this year we'll be serving 35 points, and our aim is to grow to 70 destinations by 2010," says acting chief executive Geert Boven. He adds that to support this expansion plan, the fleet needs to grow from 19 aircraft to 50 by the end of 2008, which will require additional orders.
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| Etihad's newly delivered A340-500s will be used to inaugurate non-stop New York services in October |
To support initial operations after its launch, Etihad acquired a mix of secondhand Airbus and Boeing widebodies on lease, but is now mid-way through the introduction of a fleet of 29 new aircraft - including four Airbus A380s - ordered from the two manufacturers. The most recent of these to arrive are the first of four A340-500s, which are also its first three-class configured aircraft. The 240-seaters are initially serving London Heathrow, but will be used to inaugurate New York flights in October.
Boven says that as the new aircraft are introduced, some of the leased aircraft are being returned to their owners, so it is evaluating ways to grow its capacity. "In the past we have bought wisely," he says. "We will look at how many of the leased aircraft we return, and we have 12 or 13 options from our earlier orders." Boven adds that the A350 and 787 are being studied for the airline's longer-term requirements. "We should decide by the beginning of next year."
Etihad, which has recently had to adjust its operations to compensate for the withdrawal of Gulf Air from its Abu Dhabi hub, expects to carry 3 million people this year. "Our original aim was to be profitable after three years, but the high oil prices have delayed this by a year," says Boven.
Meanwhile, the airline's cargo operation accounts for a third of its business, and Boven says that the A330-200F and 777 Freighter are under evaluation for its dedicated freight arm Crystal Cargo.
Source: Flight International
