Boeing has kicked off the show pretty well with big orders from Emirates, flydubai, SunExpress, Royal Jordanian and Royal Air Maroc. The American manufacturer is making a strong start on Day 1 of the Dubai Airshow.
Here is the recap of Boeing orders so far.
Emirates Orders 95 Boeing 777X and B787 Dreamliners
- 55 777-9Xs from 2025
- 35 777-8Xs from 2030
- 5 B787
Emirates opened the Dubai Airshow 2023 with a significant order for 95 additional wide-body aircraft, taking its total order book to 295 aircraft.
The Dubai-based carrier has ordered 90 Boeing 777X, including 55 777-9 and 35 777-8 jets in a deal valued at $52 billion at list prices. This order has boosted Emirates’ 777X family backlog to 205 aircraft.
Emirates has also confirmed an order of 202 GE9X engines to power the additional 777X aircraft ordered at the Airshow, taking its total GE9X engine order to 460 units. Emirates will be inducting new 777-9s to its fleet until 2035.
With this latest order, Emirates is also set to be one of the launch customers of the 777-8 passenger variant, with first deliveries expected in 2030.
“From day 1, Emirates’ business model has been to operate modern and efficient wide-body aircraft capable of carrying large numbers of travellers comfortably and safely, over long distances to and via Dubai. Today’s aircraft orders reflect that strategy. Emirates is the biggest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft and today’s order cements that position.”
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.
“We’ve been closely involved in the 777 programs since its start-up until this latest generation of 777X aircraft. We are pleased to extend our relationship with Boeing and look forward to the first 777-9 joining our fleet in 2025.”
In addition, the Dubai-based carrier has also updated its 787 Dreamliner order book placing orders for five more 787 jets, thus growing its 787 backlog to 35 aircraft. Emirates has increased its commitment to a total of 35 Dreamliners comprising 15 Boeing 787-10s, and 20 Boeing 787-8s.
“This order is an incredible vote of confidence in Boeing’s highly efficient widebody family and the versatility of our 777X and 787 airplanes to meet Emirates’ needs for global long-haul travel,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Emirates was one of the first airlines to order the 777X, signing up for 150 jets during the Dubai Airshow in November 2013. The order was finalized in July 2014 and included 50 additional options for the 777X.
flydubai Orders 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
- 30 787-9 Dreamliners
On top of the Emirates order, flydubai has entered the widebody scene, ordering its first widebody aircraft. The low-cost carrier ordered 30 787-9 Dreamliners, to be delivered starting from 2026 in a deal valued at $11 billion.
flydubai said that it plans to use the B787 to open new routes and grow capacity on existing routes.
“I am proud today to see flydubai evolve further, surpassing labels and challenging the traditional conventions around travel. Today’s order reaffirms flydubai’s commitment to enabling more people to travel across its expanding network. The highly fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner will allow flydubai to expand its horizon and cater to the growing demand on existing routes.”
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai said,
To date, flydubai has ordered only Boeing 737 family aircraft. It currently operates an all-737 fleet of 79 airplanes and has an order backlog of 137 737s.
SunExpress Orders up to 90 Boeing 737 MAX Jets
- Up to 90 737 MAX – 45 firm orders, 45 options with MAX 10s included
SunExpress, a joint venture of Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, has ordered up to 90 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. The Türkiye’s leading leisure carrier plans to operate more than double its fleet into the next decade.
The agreement includes firm orders for 45 aircraft, including 28 737-8 and 17 737-10 models, with an option for up to 45 additional 737 MAX aircraft. This new commitment from SunExpress will build on the airline’s previous order for 42 737-8s, nine of which have already been delivered.
“Over the next decade, we will more than double our fleet, reaching a 150-aircraft fleet by 2033. Also, the addition of the 737-10, the newest 737 MAX plane with up to 230 seats, to our fleet will allow us to strengthen our capacity further.”
Max Kownatzki, SunExpress CEO
Royal Jordanian Orders 4 More Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
Royal Jordanian announced today an order for four 787-9 Dreamliner jets as the airline expands and modernizes its widebody fleet. Jordan’s flag carrier also reconfirmed at the Dubai Airshow a previous order for two 787-9s, bringing its total 787-9 backlog to six.
“Our decision to add the 787-9 Dreamliners to our fleet is a testament to our dedication to providing an unparalleled travel experience. This move aligns seamlessly with our broader strategy of fleet modernization, emphasizing fuel efficiency, sustainability and passenger comfort. As we embark on this journey, we are confident that the Dreamliner’s cutting-edge technology will play a pivotal role in elevating our operational capabilities.”
Samer Majali, vice chairman and CEO of Royal Jordanian.
Building on Royal Jordanian’s fleet of seven 787-8 airplanes, the addition of another member of the Dreamliner family will enable the airline to fly more passengers and cargo farther. The 787-9 can fly 296 passengers 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles), building on routes first opened by the 787-8.
Royal Air Maroc Confirms Order for 2 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
Royal Air Maroc announced today the North African carrier placed a repeat order for the 787 Dreamliner, confirming two 787-9s in its order book as the airline grows its widebody fleet. The carrier, which currently operates nine Dreamliners, leverages the 787 family’s efficiency and flexibility to expand its long-haul network.
“The two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners will enable Royal Air Maroc to expand in the short-term its long-haul network in response to the highly favorable market conditions in 2023. Simultaneously, the company is actively pursuing a significant tender to quadruple the fleet before 2037.”
Abdelhamid Addou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Royal Air Maroc
Royal Air Maroc has added to its widebody airplane count with a mix of 787-8s and 787-9s over the last nine years. This order was previously unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website.
Feature Image via Boeing