Emirates Solidifies Position as World's Largest 777 Operator
Boeing has secured a monumental contract valued at tens of billions of dollars on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow 2025, with Emirates placing a blockbuster order for 65 additional Boeing 777-9 wide-body jets. This new-generation aircraft is widely anticipated to become the next flagship of commercial aviation.
The deal comes at a pivotal moment for Emirates, as the airline has achieved record profits and international air travel demand through its Dubai hub continues to surge. With this order, Emirates—the UAE’s largest national carrier firmly entrenches its status as the world’s biggest operator of the Boeing 777 family.
A Massive Investment in the Future Fleet
According to Forbes, the contract is valued at an astonishing $38 billion USD at list prices. This massive commitment expands Emirates' total order book with Boeing to 315 aircraft, which includes 270 777X jets, 10 777 freighters, and 35 787 Dreamliners.
The agreement is not just a win for Boeing; it also includes an order for 130 new GE9X engines, bringing Emirates' total GE9X engine order to an unparalleled 540 units the largest GE9X order in history.
Emirates currently operates a formidable fleet comprised primarily of the Boeing 777, the Airbus A380, and the newly integrated Airbus A350. The airline has historically been a strong proponent for manufacturers to develop larger, longer-range aircraft to meet its rapidly expanding global network requirements.
Commitment and a Wry Jab at Delays
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates, emphasized the significance of the deal as a "long-term commitment that supports hundreds of thousands of high-value jobs" and fortifies the 40-year partnership between Emirates, Boeing, and GE Aerospace.
"Emirates is already the world's largest operator of the 777, and following today's order, I believe we will continue to hold that position for many years to come," Sheikh Ahmed stated confidently.
However, the CEO did not miss the chance to address the ongoing concerns over the 777X program’s delays. With a good-natured smile, Sheikh Ahmed remarked on the delivery timeline: "We look forward to taking delivery of our first batch of 777-9s from the second quarter of 2027."
Boeing, which has been grappling with certification setbacks for the 777X, offered a cautious response. Stephanie Pope, President of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, simply affirmed that the 777-9 will enable Emirates to "connect people and destinations across the globe like never before."
Established in 1985, Emirates is now the world’s largest long-haul carrier and the preeminent airline in the Middle East, operating over 3,600 flights per week from Dubai International Airport (DXB). This latest order is a clear signal of the airline's bullish strategy for global expansion well into the next decade.
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