Emirates has placed an $8.8 billion order for 30 B787-9 aircraft, the airline announced at the Dubai Airshow today.
Deliveries will begin in May 2023 and continue for the next five years.
The 30 aircraft will be swapped from an order for the upcoming Boeing 777X, though Emirates will still take delivery of 126 of that aircraft. The arrival of the B777X has been delayed, but is now expected in early 2021.
It also means Emirates will no longer take the larger -10 Dreamliner variant, as it had previously planned.
The airline currently only operates the A380 – which Airbus will stop making in 2021 – and Boeing 777s.
On Monday, Emirates announced a $16 billion order for 50 Airbus A350s, some of which will feature a new premium economy cabin.
Emirates to receive 50 A350s featuring premium economy from 2023
“The 787s will complement our fleet mix by expanding our operational flexibility in terms of capacity, range and deployment,” commented Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates chairman and chief executive.
“We are also pleased to reaffirm our commitment to the Boeing 777X programme and look forward to its entry into service.
“Our Boeing fleet is key to our business model to serve international demand for travel to and through our Dubai hub, as we continue to contribute to the UAE’s strategy to become a global destination for business and tourism by providing high quality air connectivity.”
