From Sydney Tower to Narrabeen: Emirates’ massive order for new Boeing aircraft would stretch for kilometres

Boeing and Emirates announced today that the world’s largest 777 operator has placed an order for 90 777X airplanes, including 55 777-9 and 35 777-8 jets.
Edited by Travel Weekly


Boeing and Emirates announced the world’s largest 777 operator has placed an order for 90 777X airplanes, including 55 777-9 and 35 777-8 jets.

The new order, which increases Emirates’ 777X family backlog to 205 planes, was announced during the Dubai Airshow at a signing event attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group; and Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

If parked end-to-end, Emirates total order with Boeing would run from in a direct line from Sydney Tower to Narrabeen.

In addition, Emirates updated its 787 Dreamliner order book to better align future capacity to demand. The airline is buying five more 787 jets – growing its 787 backlog to 35 – while converting 30 787-9s to 20 787-8 and 10 787-10 airplanes.

“Emirates is the biggest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, and today’s order cements that position,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group. “We’ve been closely involved in the 777 program since its start up until this latest generation of 777X aircraft. The 777 has been central to Emirates’ fleet and network strategy of connecting cities on all continents non-stop to Dubai. We are pleased to extend our relationship with Boeing and look forward to the first 777-9 joining our fleet in 2025.”

Boeing’s relationship with Emirates dates back to the airline’s first 777 order in 1992. Today, Emirates has nearly 150 777 jets in its fleet. Based on the most successful twin-aisle airplane ever, the 777, the 777X family is designed to maximize efficiency and environmental performance by 25%, while providing an exceptional onboard experience.

“This order is an incredible vote of confidence in Boeing’s highly efficient widebody family and the versatility of our 777X and 787 airplanes to meet Emirates’ needs for global long-haul travel,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 777-9 and 777-8 are the perfect airplanes to support Emirates’ growth, improving environmental performance and unmatched payload capability along the way.”

The 777-9 will be the largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet in the world, with the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial airplane. Opening new growth opportunities for airlines, the 777-9 seats 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration, with a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles).

The 777-8 seats 395 passengers with a range capability of up to 16,190 km (8,745 nautical miles). The 777-8 also offers airlines more revenue potential through more payload and improved fuel efficiency on short and long flights.

The 777X family also provides unmatched passenger comfort with a wider cabin and interiors that provide better humidity levels, a smoother ride and more natural light.

The 787 is the industry’s most versatile widebody jet, operating with superior efficiency and comfort across all network segments. The enhanced efficiency and performance of the 787 family reduce fuel use and emissions by up to 25 per cent compared to today’s similarly sized airplanes. Passengers enjoy a better experience with the largest windows of any jet, air that is more humid and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude for greater comfort, and technology that senses and counters turbulence for a smoother ride.

Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts widebody airplanes will comprise 45 per cent of deliveries to Middle East airlines over the next 20 years ─ the highest regional percentage worldwide. Many airlines in the region provide service between major global population centres and as a result, a higher proportion of widebody aircraft are needed to carry larger passenger volumes.

Latest News

  • Cruise

European Waterways expands its fleet with the Shannon Princess

European Waterways has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of Shannon Princess, marking an exciting expansion of the company’s renowned fleet of intimate cruising experiences. Cruising Southern Ireland’s River Shannon since 2003, the Shannon Princess has been owned and operated by husband-and-wife duo Ruairi and Olivia Gibbons and has long been cherished part of European Waterways’ offerings. Now fully […]

  • News
  • Tour Operators

CATO Touring Academy doubles achievements

The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) Touring Academy has surpassed all expectations, with over 1,000 enrolments, 11,000 course completions, and more than 600 agents earning their CATO Touring Certification since its mid-2024 launch. As the travel industry gears up for another dynamic year, the CATO Touring Academy is empowering travel professionals to elevate their […]

  • Destinations
  • Tour Operators

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours advises final call for Anzac Day 2025

Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours has advised that the final call for Anzac Day 2025 is on 31 January 2025 with pre-registration also available for Anzac Day 2026. Travellers are encouraged to book their spot for either the 10-day Anzac Day on the Western Front departing on 19 April from Paris or the 8-day Anzac Day […]

  • Destinations
  • Hotels

Two destinations to visit in Mexico for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and here are two romantic getaway destinations in Mexico to make any traveller’s day with their special someone even better. Casona Roma Norte, Mexico City This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit Mexico City, as the streets come alive with roses, heartfelt gifts, and the city basks in […]