Emirates has placed one of its largest aircraft orders to date during the Dubai Airshow, committing to 65 additional Boeing 777-9 jets and eight Airbus A350-900s.
The deal, valued at $41.4 billion, brings the airline’s total wide-body orders to 375 aircraft scheduled for delivery through 2038.
Fleet expansion plans
The new order strengthens Emirates’ long-term growth strategy as it prepares for increasing passenger demand and future network development. The announcement was made during a week in which the airline also showcased its biggest Airshow display, featuring Airbus A380, A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft that drew more than 82,000 visitors.
Cabin upgrades
Emirates used the event to unveil developments in its cabin and connectivity programme. The airline introduced Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi on a retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, allowing visitors to test the service. It plans to install Starlink on 232 aircraft over the next two years. A further 111 aircraft will undergo a major upgrade that includes new cabin designs and next-generation entertainment systems.
Network partnerships
The carrier expanded several global partnerships during the week. Emirates confirmed a new reciprocal codeshare with South African Airways and extended both its codeshare and loyalty programme agreement with Air Canada until December 2032. It also highlighted continued cooperation with flydubai as both airlines align network operations.
In support of the UAE’s aviation sustainability goals, Emirates signed an MoU with ENOC to explore joint work on sustainable aviation fuel supply in Dubai. The airline also joined a project with dans and Thales to study ways to reduce arrival holding patterns at Dubai International, aiming to improve airspace efficiency.
Emirates announced a collaboration with OpenAI to introduce ChatGPT Enterprise across the organisation, supported by new training and implementation programmes. Its cargo division, Emirates SkyCargo, signed an MoU with LODD Autonomous to explore UAE-built, hybrid unmanned aircraft for next-generation logistics.
Aerospace development in Dubai
Several agreements were signed to strengthen Dubai’s position as a growing aerospace hub. Emirates and Safran Seats will establish the city’s first aircraft seat manufacturing facility, initially supporting Emirates’ retrofit programme. Another MoU with the CCE Group will focus on developing future cabin and cargo products.
The airline also reached an agreement with Rolls-Royce that will allow Emirates to conduct Trent 900 engine maintenance for its A380 fleet from 2027 at a new facility. The deal extends cooperation between the two companies into the 2040s.
Emirates Engineering was awarded the UAE’s first Design Organisation Approval from the GCAA, giving it authority to certify major aircraft modifications locally.
During the Airshow week, Emirates received several awards, including “Best Airline in the World” at the ULTRAs for the eighth year in a row, and “Airline of the Year” and “Best First Class of the Year” at the Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2025.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
