Emirates Delays Boeing 777-9 Expectations to 2027
Emirates is not expecting Boeing 777X deliveries before 2027, or potentially as late as 2028, despite Boeing’s official projection of 2026, according to Bloomberg sources familiar with the airline’s financial and operational planning.
The sources indicate that Emirates does not anticipate receiving any Boeing 777X aircraft before Q2 2027, and delays could push the first deliveries into 2028.
As Boeing’s largest 777X customer, Emirates has 35 Boeing 777-8s and 170 Boeing 777-9s on order, more than twice the next-largest order, which belongs to Qatar Airways (94 aircraft total). Emirates was originally scheduled to receive its first 777X in 2020, but the FAA has yet to certify the aircraft type, leading to prolonged delays.
Emirates President Tim Clark has been a vocal critic of Boeing’s delays. To mitigate disruptions, Emirates is investing $4 billion to refurbish older Boeing 777-300ER and A380-800 cabins, with Clark demanding Boeing compensate the airline for part of the upgrade costs.
As of Boeing’s latest order update, other 777X customers include Air India (10), ANA (18), British Airways (18), Cargolux (10), Cathay Pacific (21), Ethiopian Airlines (8), Etihad Airways (25), Lufthansa (27), Silk Way West Airlines (2), Singapore Airlines (31), and unidentified customers (12), totaling 481 orders.
This extended 777X delay underscores Emirates’ growing frustration, as the airline seeks alternatives to manage fleet capacity until Boeing can deliver.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=emirates, https://www.airguide.info/?s=777
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com, reuters.com