Emirates this week ordered dozens of additional Boeing 777X aircraft, upping its commitment to the long-delayed type just weeks after deliveries were pushed from 2026 to 2027.
The agreement, which includes 65 777-9s and 130 General Electric GE9X engines to power them, was announced Monday, the first day of the Dubai Airshow. The combined transaction is valued at $38 billion.
Deliveries will take place up to 2038.
“Each of our aircraft on order has been carefully factored into Emirates’ expansion plan, which is aligned to Dubai’s growth plans,” Emirates Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said in a statement. “Flying a young and modern fleet with innovative cabin products has always been a cornerstone of Emirates’ strategy, and we look forward to continue working closely with Boeing to receive delivery of our first 777-9s from Q2 of 2027, and to equip our latest aircraft with state-of-the-art, industry-leading onboard products.”
Notably, the deal allows Emirates to convert some of its orders from the 777-9 to the 777-8 or 777-10. Boeing is studying the feasibility of building the 777-10 – a stretched version of the 777-9 with additional capacity – to compete with Airbus’ A380.
Emirates leaders said the provision provides “strong backing” for the 777-10 feasibility study.
“Emirates has been open about the fact that we are keen for manufacturers to build larger capacity aircraft, which are more efficient to operate especially with projected air traffic growth and increasing constraints at airports,” Maktoum said. “We fully support Boeing’s feasibility study to develop the 777-10.”
Behind Schedule
The 777X was originally scheduled to enter commercial service in 2020, but technical problems, supply chain issues, and continued delays in the aircraft’s certification by the FAA have postponed deliveries several times. The company appears to be making progress with the type, having grown its testing fleet to five completed aircraft, but in September, CEO Kelly Ortberg said a “mountain of work” still remains.
Late last month, Boeing confirmed that the 777X will be pushed back to 2027 and accepted a $4.9 billion accounting charge in connection with the delay.
As of Monday, Emirates’ order book with Boeing includes 270 777Xs, 10 777 freighters, and 35 787s.
