Emirates has just made a splash at the Dubai Airshow 2023, announcing a massive order for 95 additional Boeing 777X aircraft. This move boosts its total order book to an impressive 295 aircraft. Known as the world’s largest operator of wide-body passenger aircraft, Emirates has laid down a whopping US$ 52 billion for additional Boeing 777-9s, 777-8s, and 787s. This investment is a clear indicator of Emirates’ commitment to growth, maintaining a modern fleet, and ensuring the best flying experience for its customers.
Emirates’ Commitment to Modern and Efficient Travel
The order was signed in the presence of notable figures including HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and other dignitaries. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, inked the deal with Boeing and GE representatives.
HH Sheikh Ahmed emphasized the airline’s strategy, stating, “From day 1, Emirates’ business model has been to operate modern and efficient wide-body aircraft capable of carrying large numbers of travelers comfortably and safely, over long distances to and via Dubai. Today’s aircraft orders reflect that strategy.”
He further added, “These additional aircraft will enable Emirates to connect even more cities, supporting the Dubai economic agenda D33 set out by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to add 400 cities to Dubai’s foreign trade map over the next decade. By the early 2030s, we expect the Emirates fleet to be around 350-strong, connecting Dubai to even more cities around the world.”
Details of the Boeing Order
Diving into the specifics, Emirates has signed firm orders for 55 additional 777-9s and 35 777-8s, taking its 777-X order book to a total of 205 units. In addition, the airline confirmed an order of 202 GE9X engines to power these aircraft, bringing its total GE9X engine order to 460 units. The first 777-9 from its previous order of 115 units is expected to join Emirates’ fleet in 2025, with the new orders extending the induction of 777-9s into its fleet until 2035.
Emirates is also set to be one of the launch customers for the 777-8 passenger variant, expecting the first deliveries in 2030. HH Sheikh Ahmed remarked, “Emirates is the biggest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, and today’s order cements that position. We’ve been closely involved in the 777 program since its start up until this latest generation of 777X aircraft. The 777 has been central to Emirates’ fleet and network strategy of connecting cities on all continents non-stop to Dubai. We are pleased to extend our relationship with Boeing and look forward to the first 777-9 joining our fleet in 2025.”
Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, expressed his views on this partnership: “This order is an incredible vote of confidence in the efficiency and versatility of the 777X family to meet Emirates’ needs for global long-haul travel. The 777-9 and 777-8 are the perfect airplanes to support Emirates’ growth plans, improving environmental performance and unmatched payload capability.”
The 777 remains a cornerstone of Emirates’ operations, capable of up to 18-hour missions, connecting Dubai non-stop to cities across six continents. The new 777-9s and 777-8s will replace retiring 777 aircraft and support the airline’s future growth plans.
Moreover, Emirates has updated its previous order of 30 Boeing 787-9s, increasing its commitment to a total of 35 Dreamliners, which includes 15 Boeing 787-10s and 20 Boeing 787-8s.
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