Dubai-based carrier Emirates could see its first Boeing 777X deliveries delayed for another one to two years.
According to reporting by Bloomberg, deliveries of the upcoming 777X aircraft could be delayed until at least the second quarter of 2027 – or even 2028. The report cited unnamed individuals familiar with Emirates’ financial and operational planning, who told Bloomberg the carrier’s own budgeting doesn’t account for the new jet in 2027.
The news comes after Emirates President Sir Tim Clark said the airline would like to grow its operations in the U.S. despite delivery delays from Boeing creating some challenges.
In late January, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed on a call with investors that German airline Lufthansa would be the first carrier to receive a 777X delivery in 2026. Qatar Airways was originally speculated to be the first planned recipient of the new aircraft.
The 777X resumed flight testing for its long-delayed certification with the Federal Aviation Administration last month. According to Bloomberg, Boeing originally planned to deliver Emirates its 777X in 2020 before the certification delays.
