DUBAI, Nov. 13, 2023 – In a significant move within the aviation industry, Emirates, the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, has announced a substantial order of 90 Boeing 777X airplanes. This deal, comprising 55 units of the 777-9 and 35 of the 777-8 model, was made public during the Dubai Airshow at a signing event attended by prominent figures including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. This new agreement elevates Emirates’ total 777X family backlog to an impressive 205 aircraft.
Additionally, Emirates has revised its 787 Dreamliner order, now purchasing an additional five jets, bringing the total 787 backlog to 35. The airline has also modified its existing order by converting 30 of the 787-9s to a mix of 20 787-8s and 10 787-10s, a strategic move to align future capacity with anticipated demand.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum remarked on the long-standing collaboration between Emirates and Boeing, highlighting the 777’s central role in Emirates’ fleet and network strategy. He expressed eagerness for the 777-9’s integration into their fleet by 2025.
Boeing’s relationship with Emirates dates back to the airline’s first 777 order in 1992. Today, Emirates operates nearly 150 777 jets. The 777X family, based on the highly successful 777 model, aims to enhance efficiency and environmental performance by 25%, while offering an exceptional onboard experience.
Stan Deal of Boeing emphasized the significance of this order, noting the efficiency and versatility of the 777X and 787 models in fulfilling Emirates’ long-haul travel requirements. The 777-9, poised to be the world’s largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet, is expected to have the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial airplane. It can accommodate 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration and boasts a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles).
The 777-8, seating 395 passengers, offers an impressive range of up to 16,190 km (8,745 nautical miles), providing airlines with greater payload potential and improved fuel efficiency for various flight lengths.
The 777X family promises enhanced passenger comfort with a wider cabin, better humidity levels, a smoother ride, and more natural light. The 787, known for its versatility and efficiency, also features the largest windows in the jet industry, improved air quality, and turbulence-reducing technology, enhancing passenger comfort.
Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook projects that widebody airplanes will account for 45% of deliveries to Middle Eastern airlines over the next two decades, the highest regional percentage globally. This trend reflects the region’s airlines’ focus on servicing major global population centers, necessitating a larger proportion of widebody aircraft to accommodate higher passenger volumes.
Source: Boeing
