DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The highly anticipated Dubai Air Show commenced on Monday, featuring a significant announcement from Emirates, the flagship carrier of the UAE, which confirmed an order for 65 of Boeing’s forthcoming 777-9 aircraft. This move is part of Emirates’ strategy to expand its fleet amid soaring demand for air travel through the bustling East-West travel hub, bolstered by record earnings.
The deal, estimated at $38 billion based on list prices, highlights a major investment in the aviation sector, although it is common for airlines to negotiate better pricing for large orders. With this latest purchase, Emirates’ total orders for Boeing 777-9s has reached 270, solidifying its status as Boeing’s largest customer for this aircraft, despite previous delays in its delivery schedule. Emirates has a diverse fleet and is known for operating the double-decker Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777, while recently introducing the Airbus A350.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman and CEO of Emirates, emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating, “It’s a long-term commitment that supports hundreds of thousands of high-value factory jobs, and it reinforces our 40-year partnership with Boeing and GE.” He noted that Emirates remains committed to encouraging manufacturers to develop larger aircraft with enhanced passenger capacity, anticipating continued growth in air travel demand. While expressing optimism about the future, he humorously acknowledged the delays in the aircraft’s availability, hoping to see the first deliveries commence in the second quarter of 2027.
Boeing’s President and CEO of Commercial Airplanes, Stephanie Pope, voiced confidence that the 777-9 will significantly enhance Emirates’ operations, allowing it to connect more people and places worldwide. However, she did not provide a specific timeline for when the aircraft would enter service.
In addition to Emirates’ order, Boeing announced a firm order of 11 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft by Ethiopian Airlines, while Air Côte d’Ivoire confirmed an order for four Embraer E175 aircraft. Air Senegal also joined the excitement with an order for nine Boeing 787-8 MAX aircraft, indicative of the ongoing recovery and growth in the aviation sector.
The Dubai Air Show not only showcases commercial advancements but also reflects escalating interest in innovative technologies, such as flying taxis, with plans for their introduction in the near future. Military sales remain a focal point as well, with Russia participating despite international sanctions due to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while Israeli firms opted out of this year’s event amid tensions from the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The air show underscores the robust growth of the aviation industry, fostering collaborations and investments that point toward a promising future for air travel globally.