In a significant boost to the aviation industry, Emirates, the world’s largest long-haul airline, has placed a colossal order for 90 additional Boeing 777X jets. This $52 billion deal, announced at the Dubai Airshow, is a testament to the airline’s confidence in the delayed Boeing 777X program and a clear indication of the robust health of both Emirates and the Emirate of Dubai.
The Deal Breakdown
The order comprises 55 Boeing 777X-9 and 35 Boeing 777X-8 jets, powered by GE-9X engines. In addition, Emirates has ordered 202 GE-9X engines to power the additional 777X aircraft. This deal brings Emirates’ total orders to 295 aircraft, including the 777X family backlog of 205 planes.
The first 777X aircraft from this order is expected to join the Emirates fleet by 2025, with the first 777-8 anticipated by 2030. The integration of these new aircraft into the Emirates fleet will continue until 2035.
A Vote of Confidence
This order is a significant vote of confidence in Boeing’s highly efficient widebody family and the versatility of the 777X and 787 airplanes. The 777-9 and 777-8 are designed to support Emirates’ growth, improving environmental performance and unmatched payload capability.
The 777-9, the largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet in the world, seats 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration, with a range of 13,510 km. The 777-8, on the other hand, seats 395 passengers with a range capability of up to 16,190 km. Both aircraft offer more revenue potential through improved fuel efficiency on short and long flights.
A Strong Year for Emirates
Emirates has had a strong year, with profits soaring 134% year-over-year to 9.4 billion dirhams ($2.56 billion) in the first six months of its financial year. The airline carried about 26.1 million passengers, up 31% year-on-year, and was operating passenger and cargo services to 144 airports by the end of September.
FAQ
What is the Boeing 777X?
The Boeing 777X is a new series of the long-range, wide-body, twin-engine Boeing 777 family from Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes division. It comprises the 777-8 and the 777-9, and competes with the Airbus A350.
What is the difference between the 777-9 and 777-8?
The 777-9 is larger and can seat more passengers (426 in a typical two-class configuration) but has a slightly shorter range (13,510 km) compared to the 777-8. The 777-8 seats fewer passengers (395) but has a longer range (16,190 km).
What is the significance of this deal for Boeing and Emirates?
This deal is a significant boost for Boeing’s 777X program, which has faced delays and uncertainty. For Emirates, it reaffirms their position as the world’s largest long-haul airline and their commitment to operating modern, efficient wide-body aircraft.
When will the first 777X aircraft join the Emirates fleet?
The first 777X aircraft from this order is expected to join the Emirates fleet by 2025.
Glossary
Long-haul: Long-haul flights are those that cover great distances, typically over 6 hours in duration.
Wide-body aircraft: Wide-body aircraft are large airliners with two passenger aisles, also known as twin-aisle aircraft.
Payload: In aviation, payload is the carrying capacity of an aircraft, including cargo, passengers, and crew.
Backlog: In this context, backlog refers to the number of aircraft that have been ordered but not yet delivered.
Twin-engine jet: A twin-engine jet is a jet aircraft powered by two engines.
