Jetrader - July/August 2010 - 12

While the airline industry is challenged by a difﬁcult operating environment and ongoing cost issues, we’ll continue to invest in the expansion of our network and in product and service innovation to maintain our position as the world’s leading airline and a key player in the development and growth of the Middle East aviation hub. JT: Last year you secured an excellent funding package for your new aircraft deliveries considering the current

ﬁnancial climate. Can you please elaborate on the process of how Etihad got this into place? JR: We maintain transparent and interactive relationships with the ﬁnancial markets and banks, both regionally and internationally. These relationships are the result of ongoing active engagement with the markets where, over a period of time, we have been able to demonstrate that we deliver on a clear business plan and that we have a credible prospect of ongoing performance and delivery.

The recently acquired ECA rating and OECD support validates Etihad’s management team and demonstrates the credibility and conﬁdence Etihad now enjoys as a commercial entity in the ﬁnancial markets and on the global stage. JT: Do you have plans to phase out the A340-500/600 ﬂeet when these newer types arrive, or do you still see a longterm role for the A340s in your ﬂeet? JR: The A340-500/600s are an important part of our present ﬂeet, which we use to operate ultra-long-haul routes to Australia and North America. The commonality with the A330 ﬂeet offer maintenance and operational efﬁciencies, which provide an additional economic rationale for their continued role in our ﬂeet.

JT: You will also be receiving your ﬁrst out of two ordered factory-new A330200 freighters this summer. What made Etihad choose the A330 freighters over Boeing’s competing new freighter modConnect with Your els such as the 777F or 747-8F? How Business Community will these A330 freighters be utilized by Etihad Crystal Cargo, and what is your Join Today! cargo growth strategy for Crystal Cargo and its freighter ﬂeet? JR: We are looking forward to taking delivery of the two new A330-200 dedi“Where Aviation Business Happens” cated freighters this summer. The additional volume capacity of these List - View - Compare Available Aircraft and Engines • FREE! Airbus aircraft is a logical progression as our Crystal Cargo business continues to grow. The A330-200 freighters complement 454661_Longbow.indd 1 12/4/09 11:19:00 AM our current ﬂeet, particularly the A330Complete Turbine Service, LLC 200/300 passenger aircraft. As part of Etihad’s 2008 Farnborough Airshow aircraft order, we have the option to induct Boeing 777 freighters, if we see this as the right move for Etihad.

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JT: Do you foresee any role for regional jets such as the Embraer E-Jets or Bombardier’s CSeries or one of the new Russian, Chinese or Japanese versions in your future ﬂeet plan? JR: The Farnborough deal makes provision for our network and ﬂeet growth requirements between 2011 and 2020. However, as part of our long-term planning process in a constantly changing global aviation environment, we will continue to review all available aircraft options, with a view to optimizing our operational growth and development.

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Jetrader - July/August 2010

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