DUBAI: Dubai-based airline Emirates said on Monday it was ordering another 65 Boeing 777-9 jets, cementing its position as the world’s biggest buyer of wide-body jets as the US planemaker agreed to carry out a feasibility study for a larger version.
The Boeing 777-9 aircraft were ordered in a deal valued at US$38 billion at list prices. The announcement was made on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow 2025.
The order lifts Emirates’ total Boeing backlog to 315 widebody aircraft. This includes 270 Boeing 777X jets, 10 Boeing 777 freighters and 35 Boeing 787s. With the new purchase, the airline’s orders for GE Aerospace’s GE9X engines now total 540 units.
According to Emirates, the agreement represents a long-term commitment to the US aerospace industry and supports manufacturing jobs across multiple US states.
Boeing’s study for larger 777-10 variant
Emirates said the deal provides “strong backing” for Boeing’s feasibility study into a potential 777-10, a larger variant of the 777X family.
The airline has taken options to convert part of the latest 777-9 order into the 777-10 or the smaller 777-8, depending on Boeing’s final decision.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said the agreement reflects long-term fleet planning.
“This is a long-term commitment and testament to our partnership with Boeing and GE, and to US aerospace,” he said. “Flying a young and modern fleet with innovative cabin products is a cornerstone of Emirates’ strategy.”
He added that Emirates expects deliveries of the first 777-9 aircraft from the second quarter of 2027.
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the US manufacturer was “deeply honoured” by Emirates’ renewed confidence in the 777X programme.
“Boeing has been a proud supporter of Emirates for the past 40 years as the airline has grown into one of the world’s leading carriers,” she said.
Russell Stokes, President and CEO of Commercial Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, said the additional GE9X engine order “reflects Emirates’ confidence in our technology”.
Emirates’ long-term fleet plans
Emirates has operated every model of the Boeing 777 family over its 40-year history and currently flies the world’s largest 777 fleet.
Its 119 Boeing 777-300ERs, 10 Boeing 777-200LRs and 11 Boeing 777 freighters link Dubai with more than 140 cities across six continents.
Following the latest order, Emirates will receive Boeing deliveries through 2038. The aircraft and engines are produced at manufacturing sites across the United States, including Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.
The announcement came as the Dubai Airshow opened its largest edition to date, featuring more than 1,500 exhibitors and over 200 aircraft. Organisers expect around 148,000 trade visitors over the five-day event.
This year’s show includes an expanded Space Pavilion and its largest-ever flying display.
