ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways will no longer operate Boeing 777-300ER jets after this year, the chief executive said on Wednesday, as it accelerates plans to become a smaller airline.
State-owned Etihad is targeting to return profit in 2023, as part of a five-year restructuring plan that it has accelerated during the pandemic that has crippled the air travel industry.
“You will see of us a very focused, a very disciplined operating model which is heavily built around the fleet of the 787 Dreamliner and A350-1000” CEO Tony Douglas told the online World Aviation Festival.
The retirement of Etihad B777-300/ER means that the majority of their First Class seat capacity will be removed. It is unclear whether the A350-1000 will retain its First Class cabin.
Etihad operates 19 B777-300/ER’s, some of which they have recently converted to cargo flights in response to increased demand. They have 39 B787 Dreamliners in their fleet and have taken delivery of 5 of 20 A350’s that they have ordered.
Douglas said it was too early to comment as to how the Boeing 777X jet, which they have ordered, would fit into their future fleet plans.
