Etihad Airways is not likely to seek export credit financing for its first five Boeing 787-9 aircraft, sources say.
Financing for the aircraft will likely come from commercial lenders under a deal that was mandated in September, sources told Flightglobal that month. A request for proposals (RFP) for the debt included a range of potential structures, including export credit, conventional and Islamic lease financing, and private placements.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad confirms that it has “mandated financings” for the 787s but declines to comment further on the structure of the deals.
US Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) loan guarantees are available for the aircraft. However, any such request by Etihad would likely face fierce outcries – and possibly formal complaints or lawsuits – from Delta Air Lines and others at a time when the export credit agency’s charter is up for renewal by the US legislature.
Etihad will take delivery of two 787-9s this year and three in 2015, the Ascend Fleets database shows. It has firm orders for 41 787-9s and 30 787-10s.
The airline debuted its first 787-9, registered A6-BLA and MSN 36946, at a roll out ceremony in Everett, Washington, on 27 September. Etihad plans to place the aircraft in service to Doha and Dusseldorf on 1 December.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
