Etihad Airways has announced its intention to purchase from Air India five Boeing 777-200 LRs to support its accelerated network growth plan.
The two carriers signed a letter of intent in Mumbai earlier this week paving the way for the deal.
The 777-200 LRs will be used on the airline’s new route between Abu Dhabi and Los Angeles which starts on June 1, 2014.
The expansion of its US operation will see the airline commence non-stop daily flights between its Abu Dhabi home-base (AUH) and Los Angeles (LAX) from June 1, 2014, subject to regulatory approvals.
Hogan said: “We are delighted to add Los Angeles, a major US and global destination with a significant metropolitan population and growing economy, to the Etihad Airways’ network in 2014. This expansion will see Etihad Airways offer air travellers daily flights, from our Abu Dhabi hub, to four destinations across the United States.
Etihad Airways will deploy the three cabin ultra-long range Boeing 777-200LR on the Los Angeles operation, which will be configured to carry 237 passengers, with eight first class suites, 40 business class flatbed seats, and 189 economy class seats.