Emirates Expands Fleet With 65 New Boeing 777-9 Jets

Emirates Orders 65 More Boeing 777X Jets. Credit: Boeing.

Emirates Airlines announced on November 17 that it has placed its third major order for Boeing 777X aircraft to fuel future growth and meet rising global travel demand. The agreement for 65 Boeing 777-9 passenger jets was signed at the 2025 Dubai Airshow.

Emirates, which has built its global network around the Boeing 777 as its flagship aircraft, is one of the launch customers for the new 777X family and had previously placed two orders totaling 205 airplanes. This latest agreement brings Emirates’ total 777X commitment—spanning both the 777-9 and 777-8 models—to an impressive 270 aircraft, solidifying its position as the largest 777X customer in the world.

“Emirates is already the world’s largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. “This is a long-term commitment to our partnership with Boeing and to the U.S. aerospace industry. Each of our aircraft on order has been carefully factored into Emirates’ growth plan, which aligns with Dubai’s long-term development strategy.”

Building on the success of the 777 family, the new 777-9 will be the world’s largest twin-engine jet and will set new benchmarks in fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. Boeing says the 777-9 will reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 20% compared to the aircraft it replaces, while offering passengers a more spacious cabin, enhanced humidity, smoother ride quality, and greater natural light.

“We are deeply honored that Emirates has once again selected the Boeing 777X to power its future as the airline refreshes its world-class fleet and expands its renowned global network,” said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Boeing has been a proud partner of Emirates for over 40 years as the airline has grown into one of the world’s leading carriers. We look forward to supporting Emirates’ continued success for decades to come.”

Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts strong long-term demand for widebody aircraft across the Middle East, with nearly 3,000 new widebody jets expected to be needed in the region over the next 20 years. The 777X’s robust design and high-capacity range capabilities make it well-suited for carriers operating in the region’s demanding long-haul markets.

Emirates Airlines and Dubai’s Outlook

Emirates, the state-owned flagship airline of Dubai, reported annual profits of $5.2 billion in the last fiscal year, with passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport reaching record-breaking levels. The airport remains the world’s busiest hub for international travel, underscoring Emirates’ dominant position in global aviation. At the 2023 Dubai Airshow, held at Al Maktoum International Airport, Emirates made headlines with a $52 billion purchase of Boeing aircraft, reinforcing its commitment to expanding and modernizing its all-widebody fleet.

FlyDubai, Emirates’ lower-cost sister airline, has also achieved record earnings and is looking to expand its single-aisle fleet. The carrier currently operates 95 Boeing 737 variants, though Airbus is reportedly eager to enter its lineup. At the same air show, FlyDubai placed an $11 billion order for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking its first step into widebody operations.

Meanwhile, Al Maktoum International Airport is central to Dubai’s future growth plans, with a $35 billion expansion project underway to add five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates within the next decade. The added capacity will enable both Emirates and FlyDubai to grow their global networks and support Dubai’s continued rise as an international aviation powerhouse.

Emirates Fleet Overview (as of late 2025)
Total fleet size: ~252–269 aircraft, depending on source and delivery timing.
Average fleet age: ~11 years, but new A350 deliveries are reducing this.

Airbus A380-800
◦ Emirates is the largest A380 operator worldwide, with over 100 aircraft in service. 
◦ Features include First Class private suites, onboard showers, and lounges. 
◦ Used on high-demand long-haul routes (London, Sydney, New York, etc.). 

Boeing 777 Series
◦ 777-300ER: The backbone of Emirates’ fleet, serving medium- and long-haul routes.
◦ 777-200LR: Smaller subfleet for ultra-long-haul missions. 
◦ 777X over 100 on order, deliveries expected later this decade, and in the 2030s.
◦ Emirates is also the largest 777 operator globally. 
◦ Known for reliability and flexibility across its network. 

Boeing 787 Dreamliner
◦ 30 on order, planned for 2028 onwards.

Airbus A350-900
◦ Recently introduced, with 13 aircraft in service and 52 more on order. 
◦ Offers next-generation cabins including Premium Economy. 
◦ Intended to diversify the fleet and support future expansion.

Emirates is one of the few global airlines that operates an all-widebody fleet, a distinction that underscores its scale and long-haul focus. Its combination of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s allows the carrier to maximize passenger capacity and connectivity through its Dubai hub, following a highly efficient hub-and-spoke model.

The gradual introduction of the Airbus A350, along with future Boeing 787s and 777Xs, marks the next chapter in Emirates’ fleet modernization strategy—enhancing fuel efficiency, lowering operating costs, and offering greater route flexibility. In essence, Emirates’ fleet today is defined by the A380 and 777, with the A350 beginning to enter service and the 777X and 787 poised to shape the airline’s future as one of the world’s most powerful and globally connected carriers.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com