Emirates Airlines plans to increase the number of Airbus A350, Boeing 777X, and possibly 787 jets that will join its fleet.
The airline’s President, Tim Clark, hinted at this potential expansion on Tuesday. The company is trying to solve the combined challenge of growing demand with the anticipated retirement of the A380s, which are currently the backbone of the airline.
A350s, 777-9s, and the 787
“We are looking at both more A350s, more 777-9s, and possibly the 787 range,” Tim Clark shared with reporters during a global airlines meeting.
Although Clark kept the exact number of aircraft involved under wraps, his words clearly indicate that an order is in the works. “All I will say is that we are looking at buying a number of extra aircraft,” he affirmed.
Boeing 777X: The future of large twin-engined aircraft
The Boeing 777X, a proposed family of twin-engined aircraft, includes the 400-seat 777-9 and its smaller sibling, the 777-8. Its introduction into service has faced delays over the years due to certification hitches and engine development issues.
Despite these hurdles, the 777X represents an exciting development, and Emirates has shown considerable interest.
Emirates fleet growth & Boeing
Emirates’ history with Boeing includes a previous order for 150 777X jets. This was later reduced to 126 as part of a deal that also included an order for 30 787 Dreamliners in 2019.
As for the future, Tim Clark appeared increasingly optimistic during his talk in Istanbul. He expressed renewed confidence in Boeing’s capability to roll out the new aircraft and anticipated receiving the first aircraft in the last quarter of 2025.
Conclusion
Emirates faces the long-term challenge of finding a suitable replacement for the A380 fleet. These aircraft will begin to be retired over the next few years. The airline is looking to acquire a portfolio of aircraft rather than rely on a single model.
The order of additional aircraft is also a signal of confidence that demand will continue to grow despite competition heating up in the region.