Emirates Secures $38 Billion Deal for 65 Boeing 777-9 Aircraft at Dubai Air Show

Dubai:

The Dubai Air Show commenced Monday with Emirates, the hometown carrier, placing an order for 65 of Boeing's forthcoming 777-9 aircraft. This strategic move comes as Emirates aims to expand its fleet amid record earnings and sustained demand for flights through this pivotal East-West travel hub.

Emirates announced that the deal with Boeing and GE Engines is valued at $38 billion at list prices, though it's common practice for airlines to negotiate discounted rates on major orders.

This latest acquisition brings Emirates' total order of Boeing 777-9s to 270, establishing the airline as Boeing's largest customer for this aircraft model, despite the repeated delays in its entry to service. Emirates currently depends heavily on the double-decker Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 models, and has recently incorporated the Airbus A350 into its fleet.

"This represents a long-term investment that supports hundreds of thousands of high-value manufacturing positions and strengthens our four-decade partnership with Boeing and GE," stated Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates' chairman and chief executive.

"Emirates currently operates the world's largest fleet of 777 aircraft—all powered by GE engines—and following today's order, I anticipate we will maintain our position as the leading 777 operator for years to come."

Sheikh Ahmed further emphasized that Emirates continues to encourage manufacturers to develop larger capacity aircraft as air travel is projected to grow. When discussing the timeline for integrating the 777-9 into Emirates' service, he directed a meaningful glance toward Boeing representatives.

"We anticipate receiving our first 777-9 deliveries beginning in the second quarter of 2027," he remarked.

Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, did not specify a timeline for the aircraft's service entry during her brief address.

"The 777-9 will further enhance Emirates' mission to connect people and destinations globally in unprecedented ways," she stated.

No questions were entertained from media representatives following the announcement.

The air show will also highlight advancements in flying taxi technology, an initiative Dubai has long promised and now intends to implement next year. Military sales remain a significant focus, with Russia participating despite Western sanctions related to its prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Israeli companies, however, will be absent due to continuing tensions stemming from the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Emirates, Dubai's state-owned flagship airline, reported annual profits of $5.2 billion in the previous fiscal year, with passenger volumes at Dubai International Airport—the world's busiest for international travel—reaching record levels. The airline completed a $52 billion Boeing aircraft purchase at the 2023 air show, which takes place at Al Maktoum International Airport within Dubai World Central.

FlyDubai, Emirates' lower-cost affiliate, has also achieved record earnings and likely seeks to expand its single-aisle aircraft fleet. The airline currently operates 95 Boeing 737 variants, with Airbus aiming to penetrate its fleet. At the previous air show, FlyDubai ordered 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners worth $11 billion, which will be the carrier's first wide-body aircraft upon delivery.

Dubai's government has plans for Al Maktoum airport itself, proposing a $35 billion expansion to include five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, scheduled for completion within the next decade. The airport currently has only two runways, matching Dubai International Airport. The additional capacity will facilitate network growth for both Emirates and FlyDubai, necessitating more aircraft to service these routes.

Meanwhile, Rosoboronexport, Russia's primary arms exporter, displayed its aircraft and weapons systems at a substantial pavilion at the far end of the air show. The UAE has maintained economic relations and flight connections with Moscow despite the Ukraine conflict and Western sanctions.

Rosoboronexport showcased its Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter and the full-scale Pantzir-SMD-E surface-to-air missile system. Air defense systems have gained increased importance in the Middle East following attacks on Qatar by both Israel and Iran this year. Iran also experienced significant damage to its systems during a 12-day conflict with Israel in June.

Highlighting UAE-Russia relations, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Emirati president and Abu Dhabi ruler, made the Russian pavilion his first stop on Monday. He viewed a short video depicting a Russian drone striking an armored vehicle. Sheikh Mohammed, himself a helicopter pilot, also inspected the Su-57's cockpit.

Earlier, U.S. pilots from the 55th Fighter Squadron, which operates F-16 Fighting Falcons, examined the Su-57. When asked if they believed they could defeat it in combat, one airman simply smiled and remarked: "It looks cool."