Emirates kicked off the Dubai Airshow 2023 with a major announcement – an order for 95 additional wide-body aircraft. This order brings the total number of aircraft in Emirates’ order book to a whopping 295. As the world’s biggest operator of wide-body passenger aircraft, Emirates’ commitment to additional Boeing 777-9s, 777-8s, and 787s is a reflection of its dedication to maintaining a modern and efficient fleet that delivers a superior flying experience to its customers. The order is valued at an impressive US$52 billion and is expected to fuel Emirates’ ambitious growth plans.
The orders were signed in the presence of dignitaries such as 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, as well as HH Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. The order signing ceremony was attended by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, 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 that Emirates’ business model has always been focused on operating modern and efficient wide-body aircraft capable of carrying large numbers of travelers comfortably and safely over long distances to and via Dubai. The addition of these 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, Emirates expects its fleet to grow to around 350, connecting Dubai to even more cities around the world.
In terms of the Boeing order, Emirates has inked firm orders for 55 additional 777-9s and 35 777-8s, bringing its 777-X order book to a total of 205 units. Additionally, Emirates has confirmed an order of 202 GE9X engines to power the newly ordered 777X aircraft, taking its total GE9X engine order to 460 units. The first 777-9 from the previous order of 115 units is expected to join Emirates’ fleet in 2025, with new 777-9s being added to the fleet until 2035. Furthermore, Emirates is set to be one of the launch customers of the 777-8 passenger variant, with the first deliveries expected in 2030.
The 777 has been central to Emirates’ fleet and network strategy of connecting cities on all continents non-stop to Dubai. According to HH Sheikh Ahmed, the 777 remains the backbone of Emirates’ operations, capable of missions of 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 and set the stage for the airline’s future growth plans. Emirates has also increased its commitment to the Boeing 787-9s, updating its previous order of 30 to a total of 35 Dreamliners comprising 15 Boeing 787-10s and 20 Boeing 787-8s.
Emirates currently operates an all wide-body fleet of modern aircraft. From its hub in Dubai, the airline serves over 140 cities on six continents, offering award-winning inflight and on ground services. This recent order for additional wide-body aircraft underscores Emirates’ commitment to providing an exceptional travel experience to its passengers and its role in driving Dubai’s growth as a global hub for air travel.
