Etihad CEO visits Dreamliner facility

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James Hogan visited Boeing’s Everett production facility, as the UAE flag carrier prepares to take delivery of more 777s and awaits the arrival of the 787 Dreamliner.
Hogan is leading a senior delegation of Etihad Airways and airberlin executives on a one-day visit.  Etihad Airways owns almost 30 percent of airberlin, Europe’s sixth largest airline.
In March, the two carriers announced plans to strengthen their partnership by integrating their respective Boeing 787 Dreamliner programs.
Together, Etihad Airways (41) and airberlin (15) have 56 Dreamliners on order.
Inspecting the 777 and Dreamliner assembly lines, Hogan said:  “It is exciting to see these aircraft take shape and we look forward to taking delivery of nine more 777s over the next 15 months.”
Hogan added: “For both carriers, the Dreamliner’s arrival will be a positive milestone for two strategically aligned partners, who are looking to successfully work with Boeing on our integrated fleet program.”
The CEO said: “We are encouraged by the high-level of performance and operational efficiencies that the 777 provides to Etihad Airways’ current operations. And as one of Boeing’s largest 787 Dreamliner customers, we look forward to when this market-leading airplane becomes part of Etihad Airways’ award-winning passenger-service offerings.”