Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, is exploring the possibility of acquiring additional aircraft to cater to anticipated demand in the coming decades. According to Emirates President Tim Clark, the airline is considering the procurement of more Airbus A350s, Boeing 777Xs, or 787 jets as part of its long-term fleet expansion plans.
During a global airlines meeting, Clark informed reporters that Emirates is evaluating the potential acquisition of both more A350s and additional 777-9s, with the 787 range also being a potential consideration. However, Clark refrained from disclosing the specific number of aircraft involved, stating only that the airline is in the process of exploring the purchase of a number of extra planes.
The Boeing 777X, comprising the 400-seat 777-9 and the smaller 777-8, has faced delays in its entry into service due to certification and engine development challenges. Consequently, Emirates reduced its initial order of 150 777X aircraft to 126, while concurrently placing an order for 30 787 Dreamliners in 2019.
Speaking in Istanbul, Clark expressed a relatively higher level of confidence in Boeing’s ability to overcome the obstacles and deliver the new aircraft. He anticipated the first 777X delivery to Emirates in the last quarter of 2025.
Emirates Group, the parent company of Emirates airline, recently announced a record profit of 10.9 billion dirhams ($3 billion) for the 2022-23 financial year, signaling a complete recovery from the pandemic’s impact. Clark emphasized that the demand for their services continues to outpace their capacity, with the airline already surpassing last year’s performance in the first two months of this year.
Emirates’ contemplation of a new order for long-haul jets underscores its proactive approach to meeting future travel demand. As one of the world’s leading airlines, the potential acquisition of more A350s, 777Xs, or 787s would bolster Emirates’ fleet and position it for sustained growth as the aviation industry recovers and passenger numbers continue to rise.
