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

At list price value, the deal is worth USD 6 billion. However, companies will often obtain substantial discounts when completing orders with manufacturers.

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

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 will ensure deliveries of the Airbus A350 will be completed by early 2028 at the earliest.

Additionally, following 95 Boeing aircraft ordered 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, in the coming decades, this will change drastically.

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

The shift in strategy for the Dubai-based carrier will see these opportunities with these aircraft to serve new and existing markets but not with 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 over an order for 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 a commitment if improvements were visible or if something could be agreed upon.

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 comes following a commitment to almost 100 Boeing aircraft at the beginning of the 2023 Dubai Airshow.

As part of this order, the American plane maker Emirates ordered the 777X and 787 while making several switches in variants to be flown 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 that had only been improved thanks to a recent commitment from Air India.