Abu Dhabi's new national carrier, Etihad Airways, which launched operations in November with two Airbus A330-200s, expects to be operating 50 aircraft before the end of the decade. "In five years, the airline will have 50 aircraft, some leased and some through outright purchase," says chairman Sheik Ahmed Bin Saif Al Nayhan. He adds that talks are under way with banks about loans to finance the fleet, and there could also be investment from the government. The airline has just begun services to London Heathrow and will add more aircraft this year as it increases its network to 16 destinations.
MARIA WAGLAND / LONDON
Source: Flight International
