Etihad’s Dreamliner debuts on Dusseldorf route

Etihad Airways‘ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft entered commercial service on Sunday, on the Abu Dhabi-Dusseldorf route.

The first flight, numbered EY23, departed the UAE capital at 0215 on 1 February 2015 and arrived in Dusseldorf at 0640. The return service from then departed the German city at 1020 and arrived back in Abu Dhabi at 1950.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad's chief commercial officer; Khaled Al Mehairbi, Etihad's SVP of government aero political affairs; Ahmed Al Shamsi, head of aviation security, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC); Richard Hill, Etihad's chief operations officer; and Ali Al Shamsi, Etihad's VP of Abu Dhabi hub
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad’s chief commercial officer; Khaled Al Mehairbi, Etihad’s SVP of government aero political affairs; Ahmed Al Shamsi, head of aviation security, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC); Richard Hill, Etihad’s chief operations officer; and Ali Al Shamsi, Etihad’s VP of Abu Dhabi hub
Special gift packs were provided to passengers on the inaugural flight, including luggage tags, passport holders and certificates.

“This is a tremendous milestone for Etihad Airways. The Boeing 787 is without doubt the most technologically advanced aircraft in its class,” said James Hogan, Etihad’s president & CEO.

“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.”

Etihad’s B787-9 Dreamliers includes eight ‘First Suites’, 28 ‘Business Studios’ and 199 seats in economy class. The twin-aisle aircraft also features Etihad’s new livery.

Etihad has ordered a total of 71 aircraft, including 41 standard B787-9s and 30 larger B787-10s. These will include a new two-class version of the B787-9, which will be introduced from 2016.

The B787 aircraft will be deployed on medium- and long-haul routes such as Washington DC, Mumbai, Moscow and Brisbane.

sourced:traveldailymedia.com