Emirates has put in a firm order for five new 777-200LR freighter aircraft with Boeing.

The agreement is worth more than US$1.7 billion at list prices, and will see two units delivered in 2024 and the remaining three in 2025.

“Emirates is investing in new freighters so that we can continue to serve customer demand with the latest fuel-efficient aircraft,” said Emirates Airline and Group’s chairman and chief executive HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. “This order reflects Emirates’ confidence in air freight demand and overall aviation sector growth. It lays the ground for our continued growth, which is driven by the reach of our diverse global network, the advanced handling infrastructure at our Dubai hub, and the tailored transport solutions that Emirates has developed to serve our varied customers’ needs.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ president and chief executive officer Stan Deal commented: “We value the trust that Emirates has repeatedly placed in its all-Boeing freighter fleet. The expansion of Emirates’ fleet with these additional fuel-efficient 777 Freighters will enable the airline to support its growing cargo market demand, transporting goods rapidly and efficiently from origin to destination in the Middle East and around the world.”

At last November’s Dubai Airshow, Emirates announced a US$1 billion investment to expand its air cargo capacity, including two new 777Fs which have already joined the Emirates fleet this year, and plans to convert 10 Boeing 777-300ERs into freighter aircraft. The aircraft conversion work is scheduled to begin in 2023.

Emirates was the launch customer for the Boeing 777 freighter and the airline currently operates a fleet of 11 of the type.