Emirates Airline made a significant announcement during the 2023 Dubai Airshow, revealing its plan to purchase 95 Boeing aircraft valued at $52 billion.
The state-owned Dubai carrier, a part of the Emirates Group, is acquiring 55 more Boeing 777-9s and 35 of the 777-8s, bringing their total orders for the 777X wide-body jets to 205 units.
In a move that emphasizes their commitment to Boeing, Emirates confirmed an order for an extra 202 engines from General Electric: the GE9X engines, to power the new 777X aircraft.
This order elevates Emirates’ total GE9X engine order to 460. Notably, the 777 aircraft can operate continuously for up to 18 hours.
Emirates, already holding the largest fleet of Boeing 777 aircraft globally, emphasizes the significance of wide-body jets in the Middle East market.
Analysts at AllianceBernstein note that Middle East customers now represent 30% of the global total demand for Airbus and Boeing widebody passenger jets.
The Middle East’s role as a connecting hub for long-haul flights accounts for this growing demand. Both Boeing and Airbus recognize this region’s importance as a major source of demand for wide-body aircraft.
The optimism and increased air travel demand post-Covid-19 contribute to airlines’ eagerness to invest and expand their fleets.
During a news conference, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, affirmed the airline’s strong relationship with Boeing.
Emirates’ substantial order solidifies its position as a major player in the aviation industry, underscoring its commitment to expanding and enhancing its fleet to meet growing global travel demands.
