Etihad Airways introduces Boeing 787-9 into commercial service

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, today introduced its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner into commercial service.

The first flight, operated by a Boeing 787-9, departed Abu Dhabi at 02.15 as flight EY23 for the 7 hour 25 minute flight to Dusseldorf, Germany. The flight arrived at 06.40 this morning. The return service from Dusseldorf to Abu Dhabi departs at 10.20 with a scheduled arrival time of 19.50 in Abu Dhabi.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the departure gate to mark the occasion, attended on behalf of Etihad Airways by Peter Baumgartner, Chief Commercial Officer, Khaled Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President, Government Aero Political Affairs, Richard Hill, Chief Operations Officer, and Ali Al Shamsi, Vice President, Abu Dhabi Hub.

Special gift packs were handed to guests on the inaugural flight, including luggage tags, passport holders and commemorative B787 certificates.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “This is a tremendous milestone for Etihad Airways. The Boeing 787 is without doubt the most technologically advanced aircraft in its class. It will provide us with a clear reduction in operating costs and carbon emissions, at maximum reliability and efficiency. The dimensions and unique features of this aircraft have allowed us to customise it with the most innovative and sophisticated cabins, providing our guests with levels of comfort and attention to detail not previously enjoyed by the modern airline traveller.”