[ad_1]
Emirates has secured a substantial order for 95 additional wide-body aircraft, thereby expanding its existing order book to a total of 295 aircraft, the airline’s official statement confirmed.
Already the world’s biggest operator of wide-body passenger aircraft, Emirates has committed to additional Boeing 777-9s, 777-8s, and 787s, worth USD 52 billion, to power its growth plans, maintain a modern efficient fleet, and deliver the best flying experience to its customers.
The new orders were officially inked at Dubai Airshow 2023 by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group; Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes; and Larry Culp, Chairman and CEO of GE and CEO of GE Aerospace.
“From day 1, Emirates’ business model has been to operate modern and efficient wide-body aircraft capable of carrying large numbers of travellers comfortably and safely, over long distances to and via Dubai. Today’s aircraft orders reflect that strategy,” said Sheikh Ahmed.
“These additional aircraft will enable Emirates to connect even more cities, supporting the Dubai economic agenda D33 set out by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to add 400 cities to Dubai’s foreign trade map over the next decade. By the early 2030s, we expect the Emirates fleet to be around 350-strong, connecting Dubai to even more cities around the world.”
Emirates, already holding the title of the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, confirmed firm orders for 55 additional 777-9s and 35 777-8s, thereby increasing their 777-X order book to a total of 205 units. Further, Emirates also finalised an order for 202 GE9X engines to power the additional 777X aircraft ordered, bringing their total GE9X engine order to 460 units.
The first 777-9 from their previous order of 115 units is anticipated to join Emirates’ fleet in 2025, and with the new orders, Emirates plans to introduce new 777-9s into their fleet until 2035.
This latest order also positions Emirates as one of the launch customers of the 777-8 passenger variant, with initial deliveries projected for 2030.
“Emirates is the biggest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, and today’s order cements that position. We’ve been closely involved in the 777 program since its start up until this latest generation of 777X aircraft. The 777 has been central to Emirates’ fleet and network strategy of connecting cities on all continents non-stop to Dubai. We are pleased to extend our relationship with Boeing and look forward to the first 777-9 joining our fleet in 2025,” added Sheikh Ahmed.
Emirates Airlines also registered a record profit for the first half of 2023-24, with a total of AED 9.4 billion, a significant leap from the AED 4.0 billion (USD 1.1 billion) reported during the same period the previous year. Also, Emirates Airlines has actively expanded its global flight operations, reinstating A380 operations to several destinations.
“This order is an incredible vote of confidence in the efficiency and versatility of the 777X family to meet Emirates’ needs for global long-haul travel,” said Deal from Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“The 777-9 and 777-8 are the perfect airplanes to support Emirates’ growth plans, improving environmental performance and unmatched payload capability,” he added.
The 777 continues to be the cornerstone of Emirates’ operations, capable of missions lasting up to 18 hours, enabling the airline to connect Dubai non-stop to cities on six continents. The new 777-9s and 777-8s will replace Emirates’ retiring 777 aircraft, stated the airline in an official statement.
In addition to the Boeing 777 orders, Emirates adjusted its previous order for 30 Boeing 787-9s, increasing its commitment to a total of 35 Dreamliners, consisting of 15 Boeing 787-10s and 20 Boeing 787-8s.
Source link
