The terms of the massive launch order for 150 Boeing 777-8X and -9X models from Emirates Airline which was announced at last year’s Dubai Airshow have been finalised.
A statement from Boeing says the order is valued at US$56 billion at list prices, although it’s unlikely that, as launch customer, Emirates paid anywhere near that amount. The order comprises 115 777-9Xs and 35 of the shorter but longer-ranging -8X, and also includes purchase rights and options for an additional 50 aircraft. The aircraft will be used to replace 777-300ERs in service as well as facilitate growth.
“With the order for 150 777Xs, Emirates now has 208 Boeing 777s pending delivery, creating and securing jobs across the supply chain,” Emirates president Sir Tim Clark said in a statement. “Today Emirates operates more than one in every 10 Boeing 777s aircraft built. We fly 138 of these efficient planes across the globe spanning the USA and Latin America in the west, to New Zealand and Japan in the East. The 777X will offer us operational flexibility in terms of range, more passenger capacity and fuel efficiency, and we look forward to inducting them into our fleet from 2020.”
Added Boeing president and CEO Ray Conner; “We are extremely proud to have Emirates, the world’s largest 777 operator, continue its long-standing partnership with Boeing by becoming the largest launch customer for the 777X. Being a customer-driven product, I’m confident the 777X – with its new engines and all-new composite wing design – will bring superior value in terms of performance, efficiency and reliability to Emirates and our other launch customers.”
The 777X will feature new more efficient engines and a redesigned wing with greater span and folding wingtips. Boeing has taken orders for 300 777Xs, and first deliveries are scheduled for 2020.
