Emirates Bets Big on Boeing with US $38 Billion Order at Dubai Airshow 2025
Dubai-based Emirates Airline has confirmed a blockbuster order for 65 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft valued at $38 billion at list prices during the Dubai Airshow 2025, reinforcing its position as Boeing’s largest widebody customer. This latest acquisition brings Emirates’ total widebody orderbook with Boeing to 315 aircraft, including 270 Boeing 777X jets, 10 Boeing 777 freighters, and 35 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The order is powered by 130 new GE9X engines supplied by GE Aerospace, increasing Emirates’ total GE9X engine orders to over 540 units. Emirates remains the world’s largest customer for GE90 and GP7200 engines, demonstrating continued confidence in GE’s advanced engine technology.
Despite multiple delays in the Boeing 777X program — initially expected to enter service in 2020 but now pushed to 2027 — Emirates has doubled down on its commitment. Delivery of these new 777-9 aircraft is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2027, aligning with Dubai’s growing aviation and economic expansion plans.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, expressed optimism about the deal, calling it a long-term partnership with Boeing and GE that supports hundreds of thousands of high-value jobs in the United States aerospace industry. The agreement also includes options for Emirates to convert its 777-9 orders to the upcoming 777-10 or 777-8 variants, underscoring its flexibility and backing for Boeing’s new aircraft development initiatives.
The order comes amid ongoing pressure on Boeing’s leadership to overcome production and certification challenges of the 777X program. Emirates’ president, Tim Clark, has publicly urged Boeing to meet delivery commitments, emphasizing the strategic importance of timely aircraft availability for the airline’s fleet modernisation.
Moreover, Emirates’ historic reliance on a young and modern fleet is central to its global appeal and operational strategy. The airline is known for offering state-of-the-art cabin products and advanced onboard amenities, which it plans to continue with the new 777-9 jets.
The sizeable contract reflects not just Emirates’ growth ambitions but also the broader dynamic of U.S. aerospace manufacturing, trade, and international civil aviation markets. It further highlights Emirates’ role in shaping global aviation trends at a time when the sector faces diverse operational and geopolitical challenges.
Key Highlights:
- Emirates placed a $38 billion order for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft at Dubai Airshow 2025.
- The total Boeing widebody orderbook for Emirates reaches 315 aircraft.
- The new order includes 130 GE9X engines, taking total GE9X engine orders above 540.
- Delivery of 777-9 jets is expected to start in Q2 2027.
- Emirates has options to convert some orders to the 777-10 or 777-8 variants.
- The deal supports hundreds of thousands of U.S. aerospace manufacturing jobs.
