Emirates has placed an order for 90 Boeing 777X airplanes, including 55 777-9 and 35 777-8 jets.

The new order, which increases Emirates’ 777X family backlog to 205 planes, was announced during the Dubai Airshow.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said: “Emirates is the biggest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, and today’s order cements that position.

“We’ve been closely involved in the 777 programme since its start up until this latest generation of 777X aircraft.

“The 777 has been central to Emirates’ fleet and network strategy of connecting cities on all continents non-stop to Dubai.

“We are pleased to extend our relationship with Boeing and look forward to the first 777-9 joining our fleet in 2025.”

Boeing’s relationship with Emirates dates back to the airline’s first 777 order in 1992, and today Emirates has nearly 150 777 jets in its fleet.

Based on the most successful twin-aisle airplane ever, the 777, the 777X family is designed to maximise efficiency and environmental performance by 25 per cent, while providing an exceptional onboard experience.

In addition, Emirates updated its 787 Dreamliner order book to better align future capacity to demand.

The airline is buying five more 787 jets – growing its 787 backlog to 35 – while converting 30 787-9s to 20 787-8 and 10 787-10 airplanes.

Stan Deal, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “This order is an incredible vote of confidence in Boeing’s highly efficient widebody family and the versatility of our 777X and 787 airplanes to meet Emirates’ needs for global long-haul travel.

“The 777-9 and 777-8 are the perfect airplanes to support Emirates’ growth, improving environmental performance and unmatched payload capability along the way.”

The 777-9 will be the largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet in the world, with the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial airplane.

Opening new growth opportunities for airlines, the 777-9 seats 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration, with a range of 13,510km.

The 777-8 seats 395 passengers with a range capability of up to 16,190km, and offers airlines more revenue potential through more payload and improved fuel efficiency on short and long flights.

Boeing states that the 777X family also provides unmatched passenger comfort with a wider cabin and interiors that provide better humidity levels, a smoother ride and more natural light.

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