Emirates Targets New Boeing 777X Order

Emirates is reportedly looking to start the 2023 Dubai Airshow with a bang by committing to a new Boeing 777X order, Bloomberg reports.

Adding To The 777X Order Backlog

Emirates has already committed to the 777X series in sheer numbers. The airline is currently the largest customer, with orders totaling three digits.

However, it may now look to add more to its order backlog as market competition continues to ramp up.

The airline would include several dozen new Boeing 777Xs in a new deal, a massive boost to the widebody program.

Boeing 777X Program Struggles

Since its announcement, the Boeing 777X has been long anticipated as a new entrant in the long-haul widebody market.

However, persistent delays to entry into service and the overall certification program have forced airlines such as Emirates to wait.

Boeing initially targeted a 2020 entry into service. However, it was forced to delay this significantly over multiple periods until a 2025 EIS was set.

As a result, increased market concerns amid a global pandemic and a drop in long-haul travel have slowed sales. Boeing has struggled to sell their 777X to customers in recent history.

Boeing is eyeing a larger backlog for a new series to fend off Airbus’s offering and replace 747s and 777s at some airlines.

Increased Competition

The aviation industry is highly competitive, with airlines seeking to capture demand and grow their fleets.

Notably, Turkish Airlines’ solid growth plans and a looming order for 300+ aircraft could pose a risk for many Middle Eastern carriers.

This is given Turkey’s proximity and the capabilities of next-generation planes to offer similar missions.

Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates must keep watch on established carriers like Turkish, which have firm growth plans, and emerging ones.

Riyadh Air is set to burst onto the scene in 2025 with a fleet of Boeing 787s and soon-to-be-announced 737 MAXs.

While Riyadh doesn’t intend to compete with Emirates, the Dubai-based airline will no doubt keep a close eye on its long-term developments.

This focus comes as close neighbour Saudi Arabia plans to increase travel significantly over the next decade.

Emirates’ Rough 777X Relationship

However, Emirates’ relationship with Boeing has been anything but smooth in recent years.

President Sir Tim Clark has often voiced concerns about continued delays in the 777X program and their implications for the airline.

These frustrations nearly led the airline to cancel an order for the 777X. While analysts argued it could be a way to obtain compensation for the delays, the airline still made public threats around the aircraft.

In 2024, however, Emirates will welcome a 777X in Dubai to support the airline’s testing.

During this period, the airline can deploy the aircraft on test routes the 777X will likely fly in preparation for delivery.