Emirates places $18bn Boeing order

13 November 2011

Largest order in Boeing’s history

Dubai-based Emirates airline has signed an $18bn order for 50 Boeing 777 aircraft

The order was made at the Dubai Airshow and includes options for an additional 20 aircraft, which is worth $8bn. This is the largest commercial airplane order in Boeing’s history. Boeing’s net orderbook for the 777 is now 182.

“The 777’s reliability, performance and operating economics have firmly established it as the backbone of our fleet,” says Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive officer of Emirates Airline & Group.

“We have an ambitious and strategic plan to continue growing our international network and especially increasing our long-haul, non-stop routes. This order supports our fleet expansion and reiterates our commitment to operating a modern fleet for the benefit of our passengers and to ensure operational efficiency as well,” adds Sheikh Ahmed.

Emirates is the world’s largest 777 operator with a fleet of 94. It also has an additional backlog for 41 777s on order. It is the only airline in the world to operate every Boeing model.

A MEED Subscription...

Subscribe or upgrade your current MEED.com package to support your strategic planning with the MENA region’s best source of business information. Proceed to our online shop below to find out more about the features in each package.