Emirates Finalizes $52 Billion Agreement with Boeing During Dubai Airshow

Source: Emirates

Emirates commenced the Dubai Airshow 2023 by placing a substantial order for an additional 95 wide-body aircraft, bringing its total order book to 295 aircraft.

As the world's foremost operator of wide-body passenger aircraft, Emirates has pledged to acquire extra Boeing 777-9s, 777-8s, and 787s, amounting to a total value of US$ 52 billion. This commitment is intended to propel the airline's expansion initiatives, maintain a contemporary and efficient fleet, and ensure an unparalleled flying experience for its passengers.

Emirates fleet tracked via RadarBox.com 

In the esteemed presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and HH Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the orders were formally signed by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group; along with Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes; and Larry Culp, Chairman and CEO for GE, and CEO of GE Aerospace.

HH Sheikh Ahmed emphasized, "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 stated, "These additional aircraft will enable Emirates to connect even more cities, supporting the Dubai economic agenda 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 worldwide."

Emirates' Boeing order includes firm commitments for 55 additional 777-9s and 35 777-8s, solidifying its position as the world's largest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft. The airline has also confirmed an order for 202 GE9X engines to power the newly ordered 777X aircraft, bringing its total GE9X engine order to 460 units.

The first 777-9 from the previous order of 115 units is anticipated to join Emirates' fleet in 2025. Today's additional orders signify that Emirates will continue integrating new 777-9s into its fleet until 2035. With this latest order, Emirates is also poised to be among the launch customers of the 777-8 passenger variant, with initial deliveries expected in 2030.

HH Sheikh Ahmed expressed, "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."

He added, "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 remarked, "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."

He continued, "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 the backbone of Emirates' operations, capable of missions lasting up to 18 hours, enabling the airline to connect Dubai non-stop to cities on six continents. The new 777-9s and 777-8s will replace Emirates' retiring 777 aircraft, accommodating the airline's future growth plans.

Emirates has also updated its previous order of 30 Boeing 787-9s, increasing its commitment to 35 Dreamliners, comprising 15 Boeing 787-10s and 20 Boeing 787-8s.