Boeing & Emirates announce massive aircraft order

Coinciding with the opening of the Dubai Air Show Boeing and Emirates (Sunday) have announced the largest aircraft order in the history of the Seattle company.

With a value said to be US$18bn Emirates have signed up for 50 Boeing 777-300ERs (Extended Range) plus options for an additional 20 of the best selling twin-aisle commercial jetliner.  GE is the engine supplier.

Emirates is the world's largest 777 operator with a fleet of 94 777s through direct purchase and lease, plus additional unfilled orders on backlog for 41 777-300ERs.  It is also the only airline in the world to operate every model in the Boeing 777 family, including the 777 Freighter.

Emirates took delivery of its first Boeing 777 – a 777-200 in 1996, and since then, the airline has deployed the 777 on short, medium and long haul routes.  As AERBT went to press details were not available of what the operating fleet size might be but Emirates says that the order is nothing to do with Airbus A350 delays.  A further A380 commitment is rumoured for later in the week.

Alison Chambers and Jane Stanbury will follow with a full show report next week www.boeing.com/commercial www.emirates.com

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