23 June 2005
ABU DHABI -- Aviation giant, Boeing is set to make deliveries of 11-15, 777-300ER aircraft to the fastest growing airlines of the world- Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airways, during the course of next five months, said a senior company executive.
"The Emirates Airlines will receive 6-10 aircraft with a list price of $1.5 billion, while five aircraft will be delivered to Etihad Airways having a list price of $1.2 billion", said Lee Monson, vice president of Boeing airplane sales, Middle East and Africa, while speaking to Khaleej Times, on the occasion of the arrival of 777-200LR, in Abu Dhabi, which is on global test flight that began in Montreal Canada.
Etihad Airways will get the first delivery in October followed by two each in November and December. The Emirates Airlines which already received two aircraft in March plans is currently operating 21 Boeing 777s and plans to increase its fleet through lease and direct purchases to 51 by late 2007, making it one of the world's largest 777 operators.
Avoiding, a question on the company market share in the fast growing aviation market, he said Boeing focuses on the value on the long-term giving consideration on efficiency and reliability.
Monson said launch customer, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will receive the first 777-200LR Worldliner in January 2006. " To-date, four airlines have ordered or announced commitments for the Worldliner -- PIA, EVA Airways, Air Canada and Air India. Orders and commitments for the 777-200LR have more than tripled since the airplane was unveiled in February 2005", he said.
About the aircraft, he said 777-200LR will enable airlines to launch new non-stop routes and explore markets that once could only be accomplished with one or more stopovers. He said: "Non-stop travel is set to grow over the next couple of decades and Boeing's product strategy, which includes the Worldliner, will help airlines leverage this trend. "
Each section of the 777-200LR Worldliner cabin demonstrates new and innovative features that enhance the 777's reputation as the airplane most preferred by passengers for comfort, as well as being the most technologically-advanced airplane in service.
The Worldliner showcases the latest 777 interior offerings and cabin layouts that will allow airlines to differentiate their product offering to passengers.
The latest product offering from the Boeing 777 family, the Worldliner is the longest range commercial airplane in the world, capable of connecting virtually any two cities in the world nonstop, such as Dubai - Los Angeles or Sydney-New York. The latter route covers a distance of 16,200 kilometers which is more than a third way round the planet.
During its stopover in Abu Dhabi, the Worldliner's flight test crew and senior Boeing executives received visitors from the country's airlines, financiers and diplomatic corps.
The guests were briefed on the latest advancement in comfort, performance and efficiency of the 777-200LR Worldliner aboard the aircraft.
The Worldliner's "Going the Distance" tour will visit more than 20 cities in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia and North America over an eight week period. The Middle East stops include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Doha.BY HASEEB HAIDER
© Khaleej Times 2005
