Emirates kicked off the Dubai Airshow with a $52 billion order for 95 additional wide-body aircraft.
Airlines are tipped to confirm orders worth a record $100 billion at the biennial event.
The signing between Emirates and Boeing takes the carrier’s total order book to 295 aircraft.
Emirates has committed to additional Boeing 777-9s, 777-8s, and 787 Dreamliners to power its growth plans.
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The world’s biggest operator of wide-body passenger aircraft aims to expand Dubai’s international network with a fleet of around 350 aircraft by the early 2030s, according to chairman and chief executive Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
He said: “From day one, 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.
“These additional aircraft will enable Emirates to connect even more cities, supporting the Dubai economic agenda to add 400 cities to Dubai’s foreign trade map over the next decade.”
Emirates is also set to be one of the launch customers of the 777-8 passenger variant, with first deliveries expected in 2030.
The 777 remains the backbone of Emirates’ operations, capable of flights of up to 18 hours that enable the airline to connect Dubai non-stop to cities on six continents.
The new 777-9s and 777-8s will replace retiring 777s and provide for the airline’s future growth plans.
Emirates has also updated its previous order of 30 Boeing 787-9s, increasing its commitment to a total of 35 Dreamliners.
Sheikh Ahmed said: “Emirates is the biggest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, and today’s order cements that position. We’ve been closely involved in the 777 programme since its start up until this latest generation of 777X aircraft.
“The 777 has been central to Emirates’ fleet and network strategy of connecting cities on all continents non-stop to Dubai. We are pleased to extend our relationship with Boeing and look forward to the first 777-9 joining our fleet in 2025.”
Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief executive Stan Deal said: “This order is an incredible vote of confidence in the efficiency and versatility of the 777X family to meet Emirates’ needs for global long-haul travel.
“The 777-9 and 777-8 are the perfect airplanes to support Emirates’ growth plans, improving environmental performance and unmatched payload capability.”
Meanwhile, Egyptair disclosed an order for ten 340-seat Airbus A350-900s at the Dubai Airshow today (Tuesday).
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