Emirates orders 65 additional Boeing 777X, eyes larger 777-10 variant
November 17, 2025
Emirates has fulfilled some expectations on the first day of Dubai Airshow with an order for an additional 65 Boeing 777X.
“Emirates is already the world’s largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group. “This is a long-term commitment to our partnership with Boeing and to U.S. aerospace.”
The new order takes Emirates’ orderbook for the type to a staggering 270 aircraft, all currently the 777-9 variant. However, there’s a new aircraft waiting in the wings, and Emirates is already lining up to be its first customer.
The airline says it is continuing to work closely with Boeing on the delivery of its first 777X, which is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2027.
Read more: Order rumours – the airlines expected to buy aircraft at Dubai Airshow.
Boeing to study the 777-10 for Emirates
The 777-9 has been cited by some as being too large for US airlines but not big enough for Gulf carriers. For Emirates, there is no replacement for its fleet of Airbus A380s, which it intends to fly into the 2040s.
Revealed today, however, is the possibility of Emirates switching some of its Boeing 777-9 orders to the 777-10, a previously unmentioned variant that would be even larger than the 777-9.
Speaking today at the press conference, Sheikh Ahmed commented on the need for larger aircraft, noting they are more efficient to operate, particularly against the backdrop of increasing traffic and capacity-constrained airports.
“We fully support Boeing’s feasibility study to develop the 777-10 and have options to convert our latest 777-9 order to the 777-10 or the 777-8,” he added.
Emirates’ long relationship with Boeing
Across its 40-year history, Emirates has flown every aircraft in the Boeing product line and today flies the largest 777 fleet in the world.
With today’s order, Boeing will be delivering aircraft to Emirates until 2038, cementing their partnership for the next decade.
“We are deeply honoured that Emirates has once again selected the Boeing 777X to power its future as the airline refreshes its world-class fleet and expands its vaunted global network.,” Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Boeing has been a proud supporter of Emirates over the past 40 years as the airline has grown into one of the world’s leading carriers and developed a reputation for excellence and innovation.”
All eyes will be on whether Emirates also announces a deal with Airbus at the airshow this week. An order for the largest Airbus aircraft – the A350-1000 – has been expected for months, but fell apart before it could be signed at Paris Air Show due to concerns over engine reliability.
Whether that situation is resolved and the order comes good during Dubai Airshow remains to be seen.
