Emirates orders 65 more Boeing 777X airplanes

Emirates, the world's largest international airline, has placed its third order for Boeing 777X airplanes to fuel future expansion and meet growing travel demand. The new order for 65 777-9 passenger jets was announced during a signing at the Dubai Airshow.

Emirates, which has grown its global network with the Boeing 777 as its flagship, is one of the launch customers for the new 777X family and placed two previous orders totaling 205 airplanes. The new purchase brings Emirates' 777X order – consisting of the 777-9 and 777-8 models – to 270 airplanes, further cementing its position as the largest 777X customer.

"Emirates is already the world's largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s," said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group. "This is a long-term commitment to our partnership with Boeing and to U.S. aerospace."

"Each of our aircraft on order have been carefully factored into Emirates' growth plan, which is aligned to Dubai's growth plans," Al Maktoum continued.

Building on the success of the 777, the 777-9 will be the world's largest twin-engine jet and aims to set new standards in efficiency and passenger experience by reducing fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes it replaces. Passengers will travel comfortably with a wider, more spacious cabin, better humidity levels, a smoother ride, and more natural light.

"We are deeply honored that Emirates has once again selected the Boeing 777X to power its future as the airline refreshes its world-class fleet and expands its vaunted global network," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Boeing has been a proud supporter of Emirates over the past 40 years as the airline has grown into one of the world's leading carriers and developed a reputation for excellence and innovation. We look forward to growing our partnership and for Emirates to fly Boeing airplanes for decades to come."

Major carriers around the world have selected the 777X and its robust design to handle high-capacity, long-range routes, including flights through harsh operational environments.

Boeing's 2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) projects sustained Middle East demand for widebody airplanes, with the region expected to need nearly 3,000 new widebody jets over the next 20 years.

Also at the Dubai Airshow

Boeing announced Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, committed to purchase 11 additional 737-8 MAX jets. Ethiopian Airlines operates the largest Boeing airplane fleet in Africa and has the largest backlog of 737 MAXs, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner airplanes on the continent.

West African carrier Air Senegal committed to order nine Boeing 737-8 MAX airplanes. When final, the 737 MAX order will be the airline's largest-ever fleet purchase – and first Boeing airplane order since 2004 – as it looks to expand its network in Europe and launch new routes from Dakar to the Middle East and Americas.