Emirates is on the brink of a significant decision regarding its fleet expansion, with potential widebody aircraft orders from Airbus and Boeing being a focal point at the upcoming Dubai Airshow starting November 13. This decision is crucial for the airline’s future operations and growth strategy.
Negotiations and Decisions
Chief Operating Officer Adel Al Redha, in a conversation with Aviation Daily at the Arab Air Carrier Organization (AACO) annual general assembly in Riyadh, revealed that the airline is still finalizing its negotiations with Airbus and Boeing. The decision, according to Al Redha, has not yet been set in stone. Emirates is considering additional orders for Airbus A350s, Boeing 787s, or 777-9s, with a key deciding factor being the manufacturers’ ability to adhere to a firm delivery schedule.
Emirates has been grappling with delays for years, affecting its operational planning. The airline has an outstanding order for 200 widebodies, including 120 777-9s, 30 787s, and 50 A350-900s. The first 777-9, initially expected in 2021, is now anticipated to arrive in October 2025. Similarly, the delivery of the first 787s, initially planned for 2024, is now in doubt, with Al Redha expressing skepticism about Boeing’s ability to meet this timeline. In contrast, the A350s are on track to be the first to join the fleet, with the first of the 50 expected in August 2024 and deliveries continuing at a rate of one to two aircraft per month over three and a half years. Al Redha also mentioned that Emirates would welcome a faster delivery rate if Airbus could expedite production.
Refurbishing the Existing Fleet
The delay in new aircraft deliveries has led Emirates to extend the operational life of its 777-300ER fleet. These aircraft, along with the A380s, are set to undergo significant refurbishment programs to elevate cabin standards to the latest levels. Currently, Emirates operates 87 A380s, with plans to reintroduce 17 more into service after comprehensive maintenance checks and wing spar repairs. The extended grounding in hot and humid conditions has contributed to the development of cracks in certain wing spars. The schedule for returning these aircraft to service is constrained by maintenance capacity. Al Redha noted that Emirates is seeking third-party MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) capacity to expedite this process.
The A380s and 777-300ERs
Despite these challenges, Emirates anticipates operating between 90 and 92 A380s by the end of 2023. The first 10 aircraft with updated interiors are already back in service. Alongside the A380s, 134 777-300ERs are currently in operation. The first 777 will be moved to Emirates’ hangars at Dubai International Airport in November, marking a step forward in the airline’s ongoing fleet enhancement efforts.
Emirates is at a pivotal point, balancing between expanding its widebody fleet and managing the refurbishment and maintenance of its existing aircraft. The decisions made at the upcoming Dubai Airshow and the subsequent developments will be crucial in shaping the airline’s future trajectory.
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