Dubai’s leading airline, Emirates, announced a significant agreement with Boeing, the American aircraft manufacturer, for 95 additional widebody aircraft. The deal, valued at $52 billion (Dh191 billion), was unveiled at the Dubai Airshow 2023.
The announcement was witnessed by prominent figures including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Deputy Prime Minister; and Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, made the announcement alongside senior Boeing officials.
This new order elevates Emirates’ total aircraft orders to 295. The decision follows the airline’s record profit announcement last week. For the first half of 2023-24, Emirates reported a profit of Dh9.4 billion, a significant increase from Dh4 billion in the same period last year. The airline’s revenue also rose by 19%, reaching Dh59.5 billion.
Sheikh Ahmed stated that the new aircraft, including 55 additional 777-9s and 35 Boeing 777-8s, will begin deliveries in 2025. The order also includes an updated agreement for 35 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The acquisition is part of Emirates’ strategy to enhance its global connectivity, supporting Dubai’s economic agenda D33 and expanding its foreign trade map. Sheikh Ahmed anticipates the Emirates fleet to grow to about 350 aircraft by the early 2030s, further connecting Dubai to the world.
Emirates, the largest operator of Boeing 777s, has been integral to the development of the 777 program. The 777 has been a cornerstone of Emirates’ fleet and network strategy. Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, expressed that Emirates’ order is a testament to the efficiency of the 777X family.