Etihad Airways Places $43B Aircraft Order

July 15, 2008 11:12 a.m. EST

Abu Dhabi, UAE (AHN) - Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has placed a $43 billion order for 100 Airbus and Boeing airplanes. The order could be the largest aircraft order in the world.

Etihad placed a mixed-order comprising 100 firm orders, purchase rights, and 55 options-a total of 205 orders.

The airlines purchase includes the Airbus' 10 double-decker A380s, 25 Rolls-Royce engine-powered A350s, and 20 A320s. Option purchases include 10 A380s and 45 Airbus planes.

Etihad's Boeing purchases include 35 B787 Dreamliners, and 10 B777-300ERsl. Option purchases were made for 25 Boeing 787s, and 10 Boeing 777-300ERs. Purchase rights were also acquired for 10 Boeing 787s and 7 Boeing 777s.

The orders were made at the Farnborough Air Show, where executives were surprised by the airlines bold purchase move, considering the aviation industry's slump due to fuel prices.

"If you think we are bucking the trend then, the whole Middle East is doing the same," Etihad chief executive James Hogan said, according to Times Online.

"It reflects the strength and pace of economic growth in the emirate and the integral role Etihad will play in Aby Dhabi's future," he continued.

The purchases reflect the airline's remarkable growth in the aviation industry.

The Boeing aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2011 and 2015. The Airbuses are to arrive between 2011 and 2020.

Etihad Airways currently has 38 aircraft.