Despite all the delays in the 777X program, Emirates Airline decided to double down on Boeing’s new widebody. On Monday at the Dubai Airshow, the two companies signed a deal for an additional 95 twin-aisle jets, including the 787 Dreamliner.
The new order comprises 55 777-9 and 35 777-8, a variant with greater autonomy in the series and which has not received large orders so far.
According to Emirates, the first 777-9 will be delivered in 2025 and the 777-8 in 2030, revealing a deadline for the project, which is currently on hold.
In total, Emirates will have 205 777X widebodies in its fleet, which will be delivered between 2025 and 2035 and should play a key role in the partial replacement of the Airbus A380.
In addition to the largest commercial jet currently in production, the Dubai-based carrier has updated its 787 Dreamliner order.
Whereas previously there was a deal for 30 787-9s, the mid-capacity version of the Dreamliner, Emirates will now have 15 787-10s and 20 787-8s, an increase of five aircraft.
“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,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group.
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.”
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“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,” said Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 777-9 and 777-8 are the perfect airplanes to support Emirates’ growth plans, improving environmental performance and unmatched payload capability.”
