Emirates commits to purchase 95 Boeing aircraft in $52 billion
deal
On the opening day of the Dubai Airshow, luxury carrier
Emirates solidified its fleet expansion plans by exercising options to acquire
an additional 95 wide-body planes from Boeing. The confirmed $52 billion order
includes 55 Boeing 777-9 passenger jets and 35 of the 777-8 variant,
collectively known as the 777X. Additionally, Emirates increased its order for
Boeing's 787 Dreamliner by five more aircraft, bringing the total to 35.
Deliveries for the fuel-efficient Dreamliners are expected to commence in mid-2025.
Boeing describes the 777X as the world's largest and most
efficient twin-engine jet, emphasizing a 10% reduction in fuel use, emissions,
and operating costs compared to competitors. Emirates, already operating 150
older variants of twin-aisle Boeing 777s, is actively retrofitting its fleet,
with more than 30 aircraft undergoing the process. The 777-9, with a range of
7,295 nautical miles, can accommodate up to 426 passengers, while the 777-8,
with a range of 8,745 nautical miles, seats 395 passengers.
Dubai
Airshow commences with anticipated aircraft orders from leading Gulf airlines
With a total of 205 aircraft on order from Boeing's
passenger aviation division, this significant investment underscores Emirates'
confidence in Boeing's widebody family. Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
CEO, expressed gratitude for Emirates' trust in the 777X and 787 airplanes,
citing their environmental performance and payload capability as key assets.
Emirates, aiming to add 400 cities to Dubai's foreign trade
map over the next decade, views this order as integral to supporting its growth
strategy. The airline, already the biggest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft,
expects the first 777-9 to join its fleet in 2025. UAE Sheikh Hamdan bin
Mohammed emphasized the long-standing partnership between Emirates and Boeing,
noting the central role the 777 has played in the airline's global connectivity
strategy.
Emirates
expects to receive new aircraft in 2024
In addition to its Boeing fleet, Emirates operates the
Airbus A380 and has over $10 billion worth of aircraft orders with Airbus.
Source: https://www.upi.com/