Etihad Airway launches its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Etihad Airways unveiled its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in Seattle, Washington on Saturday night.

Mr James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways Aviation group, said Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was proud to be one of the world's largest customers for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

He also shared that the airlines have "firm order" of more than 100 Boeing wide-body aircrafts which will include 41 787-9s and 30 787-10s.

Etihad Airways' first Boeing 787-9 will be delivered in Dec 2014, and more than 40 international routes have been identified for future operation by the airline's Dreamliners.

The aircraft will initially operate between Abu Dhabi and Düsseldorf, and between Abu Dhabi and Doha.

Flight services to Brisbane, Mumbai, Moscow and Washington DC will commence in the first half of 2015.

During the event, Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes praised Etihad Airways for being one of the most forward-thinking airlines of the world.

The Boeing 787-9 aircraft were revamped based on extensive consumer research, with refinements in all three cabins, according to a statement from Etihad Airways.

The new First Suite on the 787-9 aircraft will offer guests a private sanctuary with many new features, including a chilled mini-bar and five-star cuisine prepared on board by world-class chefs.

Larger seats, all of which have direct aisle access and can be converted to a fully flat, pneumatically adjustable bed, will be enjoyed by passengers in the new Business Studio.

The Economy Smart Seat will feature a new 'fixed wing' headrest, maximising comfort and enhancing the sleep experience.

The new fleet will also be installed with the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system, providing more than 750 hours of on-demand entertainment, improved gaming and high-definition screens in all cabins.

wjeanne@sph.com.sg