Emirates Places Historic $52 Billion Order for 95 Boeing Aircraft

Emirates Announces Places Historic $52 Billion Order for 95 Boeing Aircraft

In an aviation mega-deal, Emirates Airline recently placed a massive order for 95 Boeing aircraft worth over $52 billion dollars at list prices. This is the largest order ever for Boeing from a Middle East carrier. It represents a major vote of confidence in Boeing and will see Emirates operate an exclusive widebody fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X jets in the years ahead.

Emirates

Details of the Order

The bumper order is for 50 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, 30 Boeing 777-9s, and 15 Boeing 777-8 long range aircraft. The first deliveries are scheduled to start in 2024 and continue over the next decade and beyond.

In total, the 95 jets are valued at over $52 billion as per latest catalogue prices. However, the actual amount paid is likely considerably less after discounts and negotiations between Emirates and Boeing.

Strategic Significance

This deal carries deep strategic and symbolic importance for both Emirates and Boeing at a challenging time for aviation:

• It represents the largest order ever by a Middle East carrier for Boeing planes and an endorsement of Boeing technology.
• The order reinforces Emirates as the world's largest operator of Boeing widebody aircraft. The airline already has over 165 Boeing 777s in service.
• For Boeing, it provides a much-needed lifeline after recent troubles with the 737 MAX and helps boost its widebody programme.
• The exclusive Boeing fleet will give Emirates operational efficiencies from pilot commonality and flexibility to deploy aircraft.
• It gives Emirates access to the most advanced widebody aircraft as it looks to the future and rebuilding travel demand.

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

A bulk of the order comprises 50 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners worth over $16 billion. The 787-9 is a state-of-the-art widebody aircraft typically seating 290 passengers. It has a range of 7,530 nautical miles enabling efficient long-haul operations.

Key features of the 787-9 Dreamliner include:

• Composite airframe that is lighter and more fuel efficient.
• New generation GEnx engines that lower emissions by 20-25%.
• Improved cabin design with larger windows and cleaner air.
• Supports Emirates premium economy product.

Emirates already operates the smaller 787-10 variant, but the -9 sub-type allows greater range and capacity. The airline plans to receive its first 787-9 in 2024, rapidly replacing current A380s and 777s.

Boeing 777-9 and 777-8 Jets

The remainder of the order features 30 Boeing 777-9s and 15 of the smaller 777-8 variant. Together these 45 jets carry a list price value of over $36 billion.

The Boeing 777-9 is the larger next generation model with 406 seats and range of 8,730 nautical miles. The 777-8 accommodates 384 passengers and has an ultra long range of 11,645 nautical miles - the furthest range of any commercial jet.

Advantages of the 777X programme:

• All new composite wing and redesigned landing gear.
• World's largest commercial jet engine - the GE9X.
• Cabin flexibility for different seating configurations.
• Greater cargo capacity.
• Lower emissions and operating costs.

Emirates should take delivery of its first 777-9s in 2025 to replace older aircraft types. The airline originally had a much larger commitment for 126 Boeing 777X jets so this new order is a slimmed down version.

Phasing Out the Airbus A380

A key effect of this record Boeing deal is Emirates announcing it will phase out all its Airbus A380 aircraft by the mid-2030s. The airline is the largest operator of the A380 superjumbo with well over 100 in service.

However, the A380 has fallen out of favour globally and production ended in 2021 amidst weak sales. Emirates favours smaller twin-engine widebodies like the 787 and 777X for efficiency. It will retire its A380s steadily as new Boeing aircraft are delivered from 2024.

Engines Still To Be Selected

While the airframe order has been placed, Emirates still needs to select engine options for the new Boeing aircraft. The airline has long partnered with Rolls-Royce to power its 777s and A380s.

However, Rolls-Royce's next generation UltraFan engine for the 787/777X has suffered delays which could pave the way for GE Aviation to become sole engine provider. An engine selection is expected in the coming months.

Ambitious Expansion Plans

This historic order underscores Emirates’ ambitious plans to restore its global footprint post-pandemic. It is rebuilding capacity by tapping latest generation aircraft that burn less fuel and emit lower CO2. Emirates will be able to serve destinations worldwide with an all-Boeing fleet.

The order book also enables projected growth with over 150 new aircraft scheduled for delivery by mid-2030s, helping boost passenger volumes over the long-term horizon. It reflects sustained aviation demand the airline forecasts once travel rebounds fully over the next few years.

Conclusion

Emirates’ blockbuster order makes commercial aviation history and cements its status as the world's biggest long-haul airline. It enables the airline to completely replenish and enhance its widebody fleet by partnering exclusively with Boeing well into the future.

For Boeing, this much-needed order breathes new life into its beleaguered widebody programmes and restores faith in its technology. Overall, the $52 billion deal represents a powerful vote of confidence in the future as the aviation sector looks beyond the darkness of the pandemic. It demonstrates both Emirates and Boeing’s belief that global demand for long-haul air travel will ultimately endure and sustain their ambitious growth strategies.

To stay updated, follow us: Facebook  - YouTube - Instagram - Twitter - Food Recipe here...