Emirates will add 95 more Boeing wide-body aircraft to its fleet over the next decade, further extending its opportunity to either refresh and replace older aircraft, or to grow its fleet. The order was announced Monday on the opening day of the 2023 Dubai Air Show.
From day 1, Emirates’ business model has been to operate modern and efficient wide-body aircraft capable of carrying large numbers of travellers comfortably and safely, over long distances to and via Dubai. Today’s aircraft orders reflect that strategy…By the early 2030s, we expect the Emirates fleet to be around 350-strong, connecting Dubai to even more cities around the world.
– HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group
Emirates extends delivery schedule
For Emirates the order appears to be about extending the delivery timeline for its 777X plans, as well as adding diversity to the operating types involved. The carrier will take 90 additional 777X planes, joining the 115 already on order, for a total of 205 planned deliveries expected through 2035. Today’s order calls for an additional 55 777-9 (now 170 total on order).
Combined with the initial 777X order, these planes are now expected to be delivered starting in 2025 and extending for a full decade. The order also include 35 777-8 aircraft, with deliveries planned for 2030 and beyond. The 777-8 order makes Emirates a launch customer for the type. Emirates committed to ordering 202 GE 9X Engines for the expanded 777X fleet.
Emirates will also revamp its 787 order book as part of the order. The carrier now intends to induct the 787-10 (15 aircraft) and the 787-8 (20 aircraft) while dropping the 787-9 (previously 30 ordered) from its plans. The fleet shift on the 787s is somewhat surprising, as Emirates has rarely appeared keen to bring a smaller frame into its operations. Adding 20 of the 787-8 seems counter to that historical pattern.
The 777X fleet will continue to feature Emirates’ award-wining “ice” inflight entertainment, powered by the Thales AVANT Up platform. This includes AVANT Up’s Optiq 4K QLED HDR screens designed with in-screen USB-A and USB-C charging ports allowing passengers to fast-charge all their devices during the flight. Passengers can also pair Bluetooth devices to the display.
The AVANT Up platform also promises new innovations on the 777X, including the ability to seamlessly sync personal electronic devices with the IFE screen to provide a captivating multi-screen experience. The system will be enhanced with user interfaces enabling visually impaired passengers to have an immersive experience.
Thales also promises a state-of-the-art live TV solution and “new-to-industry event streaming and DVR capabilities” on board.
Emirates previously committed to the AVANT Up platform for its A350 fleet. It also signed with Inmarsat GX for its A350 and initial 777X orders. Now owned by Viasat, that offering would seem to be the leading candidate for this expansion of the 777X fleet and the additional 787s, particularly with its polar coverage planned. But with several years until the initial deliveries of this tranche of 777X planes things could certainly change, especially given the pace of evolution in the inflight internet market today.
Fleet size flexibility
Emirates operates a mix of 264 Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft today. The carrier plans to grow that to approximately 350 by early in the 2030s. With 240 Boeing jets planned for delivery by 2035, as well as 70 A350s on order – the carrier now has flexibility to replace and retire older aircraft or grow its operations within that timeframe. More than 100 of the existing fleet will see the premium economy cabin installed as part of a retrofit program, implying they will remain in service at least until 2030 when these newer aircraft would potentially replace them. Similarly, Emirates President Tim Clark has suggested the A380s will fly as part of the fleet until late in the next decade, though fleet plans can obviously change over 15-20 years.
More news from the 2023 Dubai Air Show
- Emirates boosts long-haul fleet with mega order
- flydubai spreads its wings with 787 order
- AirBaltic to double A220 fleet
- Safran snags massive contract for Emirates fleet fittings
- Ethiopian targets major growth with Boeing, Airbus orders in Dubai
- Airbus hits 125 aircraft commitment milestone for HBCplus Ka-band connectivity
- Egyptair taps Panasonic Avionics for IFE/C on new A350 fleet
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