In light of the confirmation of yet another delay in the first deliveries of the new Boeing 777X, which has now been changed to 2026, Emirates Airlines has revealed that it will hold “serious talks” with the manufacturer in the coming months.
“Emirates has had to make significant and highly expensive amendments to our fleet programmes as a result of Boeing’s multiple contractual shortfalls,” said the airline’s president, Tim Clark, according to Bloomberg.
With the 777X delayed and Airbus having ended production of the A380, Emirates is being forced to extend the life of the double-decker jets in its fleet, putting them through an extensive and expensive upgrade program.
Considered the world’s largest long-haul airline, Emirates is also one of Boeing’s largest widebody customers. “I fail to see how Boeing can make any meaningful forecasts of delivery dates,” Clark said.
Emirates has 205 firm orders for the 777 family
The first 777Xs were originally scheduled for delivery in 2021, but the company has repeatedly pushed back the launch date for a variety of reasons.
In the latest episode, Boeing was forced to suspend flight tests on the plane a few weeks ago after discovering cracks in the mounts for the massive GE9X engines.
Emirates is the largest customer for the 777X family, which includes the largest-capacity 777-9, the longest-range 777-8 and the 777-8F freighter.
According to recent figures, the Dubai-based carrier has 205 firm orders.
