Boeing Bonanza As Airline Places $38bn Order

This takes the airline’s total orderbook with Boeing to 315 widebody aircraft, comprising 270 Boeing 777Xs, 10 Boeing 777 freighters and 35 Boeing 787s.

Emirates’ latest agreement also provides strong backing for Boeing’s feasibility study to develop the 777-10, a larger variant of its 777X family, with the airline signing up for options to convert its latest 777-9 order into the 777-10 or the 777-8.

“Each of our aircraft on order has been carefully factored into Emirates’ expansion plan, which is aligned to Dubai’s growth plans,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

“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.”

Over its 40-year history, Emirates has operated every model in the Boeing 777 family and today flies the largest 777 fleet in the world, powered by GE90 engines.

After the new order, announced at the Dubai Air Show, Emirates will be expecting Boeing aircraft deliveries up to 2038, a long-term commitment to their partnership.

Earlier the Emirates A350 starred in the opening flypast, making its first-ever appearance in aerial formation (above).

Joined by the Emirates Boeing 777 and the A380, the airline showcased its full fleet in flight for the first time since the A350’s arrival in November 2024.

Representing the UAE’s impressive aviation capabilities, the aerial performance consisted of a 60 aircraft formation, with Emirates headlining the commercial aviation fleet, followed by other UAE commercial airlines and a fleet of military aircraft and helicopters.

Emirates has also announced that its retrofit program is entering its next phase, with 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s lined up to receive the airline’s latest cabin innovations.

Starting from August 2026, the airline will introduce a host of new onboard products, alongside a next-generation, fully immersive in-flight entertainment system and upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity with Starlink on these aircraft as part of its extensive fleet modernisation efforts.

“Our customers expect an excellent experience every time they fly Emirates, and this investment ensures we deliver on that promise in the years to come, wherever they travel with us,” said Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline.

https://www.emirates.com/au