Etihad Airways’ first Boeing 787 Dreamliner takes to the skies

The first flight, operated by a Boeing 787-9, landed in Düsseldorf, Germany this morning.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, today introduced its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner into commercial service. Courtesy Etihad
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Etihad Airways’ first Boeing 787 Dreamliner has taken to the skies, with its first commercial flight departing Abu Dhabi this morning.

The first flight, operated by a Boeing 787-9, departed Abu Dhabi at 2.15am as flight EY23 for the 7 hour 25 minute journey to Düsseldorf, Germany.

“This is a tremendous milestone for Etihad Airways,” said James Hogan, Etihad Airways president and chief executive. “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.”

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

The new 787 interiors feature eight First Suites, 28 Business Studios and 199 economy smart seats.

Etihad placed an order for 71 B787 aircraft, which will be placed on routes such as Washington DC, Mumbai, Moscow and Brisbane.

The Boeing 787-9 has a range of 8,300 nautical miles, is 206 feet long and has a wingspan of 197 feet.

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