Etihad adding two B777 freighters

Etihad Airways has exercised its options on two Boeing 777 freighter aircraft, making the announcement on the opening day of the Dubai Air Show.
The freighter options, with a list price value of $637m, were part of UAE national airline’s $67bn mixed fleet order for 199 aircraft in 2013.
The additional freighter duo, set for delivery in 2016, will be part of Etihad Cargo, which currently operates three 777Fs, three Boeing 747s and four Airbus A330s.
Etihad Cargo serves 11 freighter-only destinations worldwide from its Abu Dhabi hub and has freighter capacity on Etihad Airways’ fleet of 109 passenger aircraft.
James Hogan, president and chief executive of Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Airways is delighted to exercise options for two freighters that will join our fleet next year, demonstrating our confidence and commitment to our partners at Boeing and to the global freight market.
“As we continue growing our freighter fleet and network, together with our partners we are able to provide a comprehensive, extensive and compelling global offering for the benefit of our customers.”
Ray Conner, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said:  "We value our partnership with Etihad Airways and are honoured they continue to place their trust in our products," said.
"The Boeing 777 Freighter, the world’s longest twin-engine freighter, continues to have unmatched efficiency which translates into significant savings for our customers." 
Etihad Cargo is a business worth more than $1bn in revenues last year with 568,000 tonnes of freight carried, up 17% on 2013.
Etihad Airways’ network of cargo-only destinations includes include Houston, Guangzhou, Bogota, Chittagong and Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo, with more routes planned next year.