Etihad Airways expands fleet with unveiling of new purpose-built Boeing 777-300ER

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On Thursday, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, unveiled its first purpose built aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER (extended range), the first of 24 new aircraft for the Abu Dhabi-based carrier.

The new Boeing 777-300ER maintains Etihad’s ambitious plans to offer Guests high levels of style and hospitality, by providing innovative seating, high speed wireless internet access, and the finest cuisine in both Coral and Pearl Zones.

Senior dignitaries, members of the local and international media and Etihad employees, were the first to view the new Etihad Airways Boeing 777-300ER during a special unveiling at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The guests were then treated to a series of co-ordinated presentations, hosted by CNBC Arabia’s Lina Sawan, illustrating the development and growth of Etihad Airways.

Among the highlights was an interview with HE Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nahyan, Etihad chairman and chairman of the Civil Aviation Department in Abu Dhabi, an impressive ‘Panorama Vision Show’ of the new aircraft, and an interview with former Miss World and Bollywood star Lara Dutta.

“In just over two years Etihad Airways’ commitment to our Guests has made a substantial impact on the world’s airline industry. The arrival of Etihad’s first Boeing 777-300ER continues this drive towards providing Guests with the most advanced entertainment and business facilities in the air,” said Robert Strodel, CEO, Etihad Airways.

The new Boeing 777-300ER arrived earlier this week from Boeing’s airport in Everett, Washington State, USA, and will operate on the busy route between Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi.

The remaining Boeing and Airbus fleet, which will continue to arrive at regular intervals in the future, will be used on Etihad’s existing network of 20 destinations - and on the many new routes that will be announced shortly.

The two aisle aircraft is configured to carry a total capacity of 378 Guests, 350 in the Coral Zone and 28 in the Pearl Zone.

“Etihad Airways is becoming synonymous with hospitality, and comfort is offered throughout the Etihad Airways Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Each Zone has been meticulously designed to meet Guests’ requirements, and this is underlined in the Pearl Zone where the seats recline 180 degrees into a flat and comfortable bed,” concluded Robert Strodel.

Pearl and Coral Zone Guests can also send or receive email, including those with large attachments using the advanced ‘Connexions by Boeing’ system. They will be able to browse the internet in exactly the same way they would at home, and also securely access company intranet and business applications.

21st century air travel demands the most sophisticated audio and video facilities, and the systems in place on the Boeing 777-300ER are second-to-none. Guests will be able to access 30 movies, 24 hours of TV programming, 12 audio channels, 110 audio CD’s, and 28 Interactive Games.

The in-flight dining will be a memorable experience for guests on the new Etihad Airways Boeing 777-300ER. Each zone has an extensive and imaginative menu prepared by award-winning chefs who have been chosen for their natural expertise in international cuisines.

The mood lighting in all sections of the Boeing 777-300ER has been designed especially to create specific ambiences in the aircraft cabin, conducive to relaxation or business. It also helps the mental and physical wellbeing of guests, especially on long haul flights.

Etihad made history, as a new carrier, by placing an order worth US$8 billion for new aircraft within the first two years of operation. As well as purchasing the five Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Etihad has also ordered 24 Airbus aircraft – four A340-500s, four A340-600s, 12 A330-200s and probably most exciting of all, four double-decker A380s.