Emirates placed a US$ 52 billion wide-body aircraft order at Dubai Airshow 2023.
Emirates kicked off the Dubai Airshow 2023 with a substantial order for 95 additional Boeing wide-body aircraft. The order brings their total order book to 295 planes. As the world’s largest operator of wide-body passenger aircraft, Emirates has committed to acquiring more Boeing 777-9s, 777-8s, and 787s. The order has a total value of US$52 billion. This investment aims to support their growth plans, maintain a modern and efficient fleet, and deliver an exceptional customer flying experience.
- 55 additional Boeing 777-9s and 35 777-8s bring Emirates’ total 777X orders to 205 units.
- Signs deal for 202 additional GE9X engines to power its new 777X fleet. Emirates’ total order for GE9X engines is now 460 units.
- Emirates updates Boeing 787 Dreamliner order to 35 units: 15 787-10s and 20 787-8s
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including 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 agreements were 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.
Emirates Fleet Strategy: Modern and Efficient Wide-Body Aircraft
Emphasizing Emirates’ business model, HH Sheikh Ahmed stated their commitment to operate modern and efficient wide-body aircraft.
“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 said.
“These additional aircraft will enable Emirates to connect even more cities, supporting the Dubai economic agenda D33 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 around the world.”
Emirates Expanded Commitment to the 777-X
Emirates has secured firm orders for 55 additional 777-9s and 35 777-8s. This puts their total 777-X order book at 205 units. The airline has also confirmed an order for 202 GE9X engines to power the newly ordered 777X aircraft. This brings their total GE9X engine order to 460 units.
The first 777-9 from the previous order will join Emirates’ fleet in 2025. The airline will continue adding new 777-9s to its fleet until 2035. Furthermore, Emirates will be among the launch customers for the 777-8 passenger variant, with initial deliveries scheduled for 2030.
Emirates Biggest Operator of Boeing 777 Aircraft
Cementing Emirates’ position as the largest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, HH Sheikh Ahmed expressed satisfaction with this order. “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 said. “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 said, “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. The 777-9 and 777-8 are the perfect airplanes to support Emirates’ growth plans, improving environmental performance and unmatched payload capability.”
The Boeing 777 has supported Emirates’ global operations, enabling non-stop flights of up to 18 hours. This range connects Dubai to cities on six continents. The newly ordered 777-9s and 777-8s will gradually replace the retiring 777 aircraft and accommodate the airline’s future growth plans. Additionally, Emirates has expanded its previous order of 30 Boeing 787-9s. The order now totals 35 Dreamliners, including 15 Boeing 787-10s and 20 Boeing 787-8s.
About Emirates
Emirates operates an all-wide-body fleet comprising state-of-the-art Airbus A380s and popular Boeing 777s. Operating from its hub in Dubai, the airline serves over 140 cities across six continents. The airline has built a reputation for offering exceptional inflight and ground services.