Airberlin (Berlin) and Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi) have announced plans to integrate their Boeing 787 Dreamliner programs, affecting a total of 56 firm aircraft – which is more Dreamliners than are on order with any other airline – and saving millions of dollars for both carriers.

A combined Etihad Airways-Airberlin team, led by Etihad Airways, will oversee the integration program, which will see the two airlines share infrastructure, pool maintenance, develop joint training programs, and streamline purchasing activity for engines, rotables, avionics and inflight entertainment systems, as well as work jointly on product development for the new aircraft type.

In December 2011 Etihad Airways increased its stake in Airberlin to 29.21 percent, making it the single biggest shareholder in Europe’s sixth largest airline.

The move came just days after Etihad Airways announced it was buying 10 additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, taking its total order to 41, with 25 options and purchasing rights, making the UAE flag carrier the largest operator of the aircraft type in the world.

Airberlin has 15 Boeing 787s on order with options and purchase rights on a further 15 aircraft. Delivery will begin in 2015.

Airberlin Slide Show: CLICK HERE

Etihad Airways Slide Show: CLICK HERE