Eithad formalizes deal with Air India for five 777-200 (LR)S

Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi Int'l) has formalized an agreement with Air India (AI, Mumbai Int'l) for the purchase of five B777-200(LR)s. The Deccan Herald says the deal was finalized in the UAE last week and will proceed pending approval from the Indian government. Averaging six years of age, the twinjets will be delivered to Abu Dhabi Int'l by March 2014 in time for their deployment on flights to Los Angeles Int'l in June. The Indian national carrier has put eight of the 777s up for sale. Camair-Co (QC, Douala) had also expressed an interest in one of the aircraft though as of this posting, has yet to announce any firm commitment.