Emirates Orders More Airbus A350s

Emirates has announced a deal for additional Airbus A350s to boost its future widebody flying programme.

Breaking Down The Deal

The Dubai-based carrier has selected 15 additional A350-900s at the 2023 Dubai Airshow.

At list price, the deal is worth USD 6 billion. However, companies often receive substantial discounts when placing large orders with manufacturers.

As part of its continued commitment to the A350, Emirates’ total backlog will now reach 65 units, and the type will become a cornerstone of its long-term fleet.

Emirates says its first Airbus A350 will join the fleet in August 2024. However, this is subject to change due to delivery delays and recent supply chain issues.

With 15 additional units ordered, the airline expects to complete Airbus A350 deliveries by early 2028 at the earliest.

Additionally, after ordering 95 Boeing aircraft at the beginning of the 2023 Dubai Airshow, Emirates’ backlog has reached over 300 planes.

The Emirates Fleet

Emirates’ fleet currently consists of only two aircraft families, the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380.

Per Cirium, 243 aircraft remain in service, with 26 units currently in storage. However, this will change drastically in the coming decades.

Emirates will shift from operating the 777 and A380 to the 777X, 787, and A350. These planes will all build on an exciting future for the Dubai-based airline.

The Dubai-based carrier’s strategic shift will use these aircraft to serve new and existing markets, but without the same capacity as the A380.

Comments From Executives

The A350-900s will add to our fleet mix and we are pleased to announce additional orders for this aircraft type. We plan to deploy our A350s to serve a range of new markets including long-haul missions of up to 15 hours flying time from Dubai. We will work closely with Airbus and Rolls-Royce to ensure our aircraft deliver the best possible operating efficiency and flying experience for our customers.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group

With this agreement we mark another solid step forward in the long standing relationship agreement between Emirates and Airbus. A relationship founded on a pursuit of innovation, efficiency and operational excellence. Just as the A380 established itself at the heart of Emirates operations, we are equally proud of what the A350 will do in the years to come.

Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International

Emirates Unhappy With A350-1000

Emirates’ commitment to the Airbus A350-900 follows much speculation and discussion about ordering the largest member of the series, the A350-1000.

On the sidelines of the 2023 Dubai Airshow, Clark said that the engine featured on the A350-1000, the Trent XWB-97, isn’t doing what the company wants.

As a result, the president said it wouldn’t order this variant. However, it would likely reconsider its commitment if improvements were visible or if the parties could agree on something.

Emirates already has a solid commitment for the A350-900, with deliveries expected to commence next year. However, with over 200 aircraft in service, the airline is reviewing its future fleet.

Airbus Orders Join Recent Boeing Deal

Airbus’ deal with Emirates follows a commitment to nearly 100 Boeing aircraft at the beginning of the 2023 Dubai Airshow.

As part of the order, Emirates ordered the 777X and 787 from the American plane maker, while making several variant switches for the Dreamliner series.

The airline also solidified its position as the largest 777X customer. It ended a long-standing dry spell for the 777X, which had only been revived by a recent commitment from Air India.