ETIHAD don't operate A320, only A330, A340 and soon B777; eventually also A380....if and whenever. They also have one B767 in the fleet - temporarily, at least.
They made it public recently that they are in negotiations regarding single aisle aircraft to meet their operational needs within the region. The A320 was probably most talked about as it centered on the offsets in compensation with the delayed A380 delivery. More to follow I am sure....
August 14: Etihad Airways has agreed to acquire three A320s in September and October: It is buying one from US-based KJ Aviation Services and leasing two from Air Malta.
Etihad picks A320 narrowbodies for regional routes
Etihad picks A320 narrowbodies for regional routes By David Kaminski-Morrow
Middle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways is to introduce six Airbus A320 aircraft from next month, the first narrowbodies to be brought into the airline’s fleet.
Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, will take the first aircraft on 1 September and two more will be brought into operation during October. Another three A320s will be put into service by the end of the first quarter of next year.
The airline says that it will use the aircraft to replace widebody jets on short-haul and regional routes, enabling it to free capacity for further long-haul services.
Its first A320 will be configured with 20 business-class and 120 economy-class seats. It will be used for services to the Iranian capital Tehran from next month.
Etihad has not yet indicated the source of the aircraft or identified the engine type. Narrowbodies have not formed part of any order placed by Etihad, which has so far focused on acquiring long-haul jets.
The airline will put its other A320s into operation on routes to Beirut, Muscat, Cairo, Kuwait, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Amman, Damascus and Karachi.
Etihad had stated earlier this year that it planned to introduce narrowbody aircraft to its fleet. Chief executive James Hogan says that the twin-jets will be “ideally suited” to its short-haul network.
As advertised in Flight International EY has selected Airbus for its regional network (A320).
They expect to get the first batch in ....september.
GF guys..get ready...!
don't know, but 330 FO's SHOULD be given the right of first refusal whether they wish to be upgraded in the 320 or wait for their time in the 330...just my opinion
Er, well, you might have to re think that one, as quite a few people are looking at these jobs from elsewhere. You think the little cadettiees will be ready by JAN? Would you wanna fly with one...that green..?
Expect 10 A320s. Expect them to be mostly owned by EY like the current one (and yes it is owned by them...so dont go there or I'll have to sl@p ya!) Expect the new ones off the shop floor late 08. Expect 2 groups of fleet sharing of A320/330 and A330/340.
