Emirates, the world’s largest Boeing 777 operator, placed an order for 90 777X airplanes, including 55 777-9 and 35 777-8 jets, with Boeing. The new order, which increases Emirates’ 777X family backlog to 205 planes, was announced during the Dubai Airshow.
In addition, Emirates updated its 787 Dreamliner order book to better align future capacity to demand. The airline is buying five more 787 jets — growing its 787 backlog to 35 — while converting 30 787-9s to 20 787-8 and 10 787-10 airplanes.
“Emirates is the biggest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, and today’s order cements that position,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said. “We’ve been closely involved in the 777 program since its start-up until this latest generation of 777X aircraft. 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.”
Boeing’s relationship with Emirates dates back to the airline’s first 777 order in 1992. Today, Emirates has nearly 150 777 jets in its fleet.
“This order is an incredible vote of confidence in Boeing’s highly efficient widebody family and the versatility of our 777X and 787 airplanes to meet Emirates’ needs for global long-haul travel,” Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said. “The 777-9 and 777-8 are the perfect airplanes to support Emirates’ growth, improving environmental performance and unmatched payload capability along the way.”
