Boeing and Etihad Airways showcase 787 Dreamliner in Abu Dhabi

The visit to the capital was the last stop on the seventh and final leg of the Dreamliner’s global Dream Tour. The airplane, ZA003, had previously visited Australia, New Zealand, Uzbekistan and Morocco before touching down in the UAE on June 6, 2012. Since launching the Dream Tour in December 2011, the airplane has visited 40 cities around the world, demonstrating its capabilities to over 60,000 guests.

The flight test equipment onboard the airplane – the third 787 to be built – has been removed and a stunning new interior installed, allowing representatives from Etihad Airways, government officials and media to get a preview of its revolutionary technology and experience its superior passenger offering.

"It's a tremendous honour to welcome the 787 Dreamliner to Abu Dhabi. It also marks the official countdown for us, as we prepare to introduce this magnificent aircraft into our fleet from 2014,” said James Hogan, Etihad Airways president and chief executive officer.  "This aircraft is the future and our decision to opt for the 787 Dreamliner is testimony to our commitment to operating one of the youngest and most fuel efficient fleets in the skies."

Made from composite materials, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the first mid-size airplane capable of flying long-range routes and will allow airlines, such as Etihad Airways, to open new, non-stop routes preferred by the traveling public. More than 850 787s are on order by more than 59 airlines, a testament to the airplane's unique capabilities. With 41 787s on order, Etihad Airways is the world's largest airline customer of the 787-9.

“With its extensive use of pathbreaking technologies that were designed with our customers and their passengers in mind, it is evident that the Dreamliner will revolutionize aviation,” said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales for the Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Etihad Airways has played a significant role in the 787 success story and we are excited to be able to present the first all-new airplane of the 21st century here in Abu Dhabi so our partners can see it for themselves.”