Etihad Airways will be exercising its options to acquire two more Boeing 777 Freighters, it announced on the first day of the biennial Dubai Air Show.

The two aircraft will be delivered in 2016 to Etihad Cargo, the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s air freight division.

“Etihad Airways is delighted to exercise options for two freighters that will join our fleet next year, demonstrating our confidence and commitment to our partners at Boeing and to the global freight market,” said James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways. “As we continue growing our freighter fleet and network, together with our partners we are able to provide a comprehensive, extensive and compelling global offering for the benefit of our global customers.”

The options formed part of Etihad’s US$67 billion order for 199 aircraft at the 2013 Dubai Air Show.

Etihad Cargo operates a freighter fleet of four Airbus A330-200Fs, two 747-400Fs, one 747-8F and three 777Fs.