Etihad and Air Berlin integrate B787 orders

The move will save both carriers millions of dollars. Etihad Airways on Tuesday said it will integrate its Boeing 787 Dreamliner programme with that of Air Berlin's, affecting 56 aircraft. The deal is aimed at saving millions of dollars for both carriers and results in more Dreamliners than are on order with any other airline, Etihad said in a statement. It added that a combined team led by Etihad Airways will oversee the integration programme under which the two airlines will share infrastructure, pool maintenance, develop joint training programmes and streamline purchasing activity for engines, rotables, avionics and inflight entertainment systems, besides working jointly on product development for the new aircraft type. With 41 Dreamliners on order (with 25 options and purchasing rights), Etihad Airways increased its stake in loss-making Air Berlin last December to 29.21 per cent, making it the single biggest shareholder in the German carrier. From: Gulfnews