Boeing delivered Etihad Airways’ first 787-9 Dreamliner sporting the airline’s new “Facets of Abu Dhabi” livery which was revealed at a ceremony earlier this year. The colours are reminiscent of the desert landscape, inspired by the culture, Islamic design and architecture motifs of the United Arab Emirates.

The aircraft is the first of the 71 Dreamliners that the national airline of the UAE has on order which includes 41 787-9s and 30 787-10s. Etihad Airways will also be the first airline in the Middle East to operate the 787-9.

“We are confident that the additions of the 787 Dreamliner to our growing fleet will enable us to continue to add vital long-haul destinations from our Abu Dhabi hub,” said Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer for Etihad Airways. “We will first use the aircraft on routes to cities such as Düsseldorf, Washington D.C., Mumbai, Brisbane and Moscow and will have over 70 within the fleet, once our order is complete.”

“We are excited to see the 787 footprint grow in the Middle East with airlines such as Etihad Airways investing in the Dreamliner as part of their fleet strategy,” said Marty Bentrott, vice president, Sales for Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. .