Emirates kicked off the Dubai Air Show by placing an $15.1 billion order for 40 long-range Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners.
The aircraft will be delivered from 2022 in a mix of two and three-cabin class configurations, potentially seating between 240 and 330 passengers.
The order comes on top of Emirates’ purchase of 150 Boeing 777X at the 2013 Dubai Air Show, to enter service from 2020 onwards.
The Dubai-based carrier is the largest Boeing 777 operator on the planet with 165 of the type in service. The latest order sees Emirates commit to future delivery of 204 Boeing wide-body aircraft.
The airline also used the first day of the show to reveal new first class private suites as part of a revamp of the interiors for its existing 777s.
With floor to ceiling sliding doors and design features inspired by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the fully enclosed suites provide up to 40 square feet of personal space each and are laid out in a 1-1-1 configuration.
Newly-designed seats and upgraded in-flight entertainment systems also feature in all cabins.
Business class features fully-flat leather seats with personal minibars, while economy seats have adjustable full leather headrests.
Emirates chairman and chief executive Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the 787 order will take the airline well into the 2030s.
“Some of these will be replacements so that we maintain a young and efficient fleet, and others will power our future network growth,” he said.
“We see the 787 as a great complement to our 777 and A380 fleet, providing us with more flexibility to serve a range of destinations as we develop our global route network.
“It has always been Emirates’ strategy to invest in the most advanced and efficient aircraft, and today’s orders reflect that.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive Kevin McAllister added: “We are excited that Emirates has selected the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner to power its fleet expansion and future growth.
“This is an airplane that will set a new benchmark for operating economics in the commercial aviation industry when it enters service next year.
“Emirates’ endorsement of the 787 Dreamliner extends our long-standing partnership and will sustain many jobs in the US.”