We all know Emirates as an operator of only two types of aircraft: the world’s largest commercial passenger jet, the Airbus A380, and the world’s largest twin-engine passenger aircraft, the Boeing 777-300ER. Their goal has been to transport massive amounts of passengers between cities via their hub in Dubai. However, after the pandemic, this model may no longer be as effective in the future, hence the need for Emirates to restrategize and operate a more diverse and flexible fleet of aircraft.
Compared to its other Middle Eastern counterparts, Emirates does not operate the largest destination network. Instead, their goal was to transport a massive number of passengers between cities using a hub-and-spoke model, relying on their fleet of more than a hundred A380s. However, they seem to forecast that this business model may no longer be sustainable in the future. Emirates needs to increase its fleet flexibility to serve other destinations that cannot handle or do not need massive planes like the 777-300ER and the A380.
Hence, Emirates is moving towards a more diverse future fleet consisting of the following:
| Aircraft | Number | Est Delivery |
| Boeing 777-9X | 170 | 2025 |
| Airbus A350-900 | 65 | 2024 |
| Boeing 777-8X | 35 | 2030 |
| Boeing 787-8 | 20 | 2025 |
| Boeing 787-10 | 15 | 2025 |
Emirates still continues to see itself operating the A380s for years to come. But why the need to change fleet strategy?
A More Flexible Fleet
While operating only two types of aircraft means huge savings in training and maintenance costs, it diminishes the airline’s flexibility in operating different markets, routes, and destinations. Not all markets need a plane as large as the Boeing 777-300ER, let alone the A380. Emirates likely operates some A380 flights with low load factors due to the sheer size and capacity of the aircraft.
The new fleet strategy will not only allow the airline to operate more frequencies, giving passengers better travel options, but it will also enable Emirates to operate the right aircraft for a destination. This flexibility ensures higher load factors and more efficient operations. Currently, Emirates is compelled to operate large 777-300ERs to low-yielding airports, affecting load factors. The new strategy, starting this year and continuing towards 2030, will enable the airline to operate smaller planes like the Boeing 787-8 to lower-yielding destinations and airports. Such a strategy will improve operational efficiency and load factors.
While the A380 allows Emirates to offer superb amenities like a shower and a luxurious lounge, the plane is not fit for all destinations.
It’s exciting to see how this new fleet plan will benefit Emirates. In a few years, they will be operating from the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, which is five times the size of the current Dubai International Airport. I also anticipate that they will place more aircraft orders in the future.
Now the question remains: will Emirates operate narrowbody planes in the future? Time will tell.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
