Emirates has placed a huge order of over USD 52 billion for 125 new widebody aircraft of the Boeing family. Emirates is already largest operator of Boeing 777 fleet in the world.

At the Dubai Air Show which got underway in Dubai on Monday, Emirates has placed an order for 95 additional widebody aircraft in a deal worth USD 52 billion, taking its total order book to 295 aircraft.

According to a press statement, Emirates, which is already the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, has signed firm orders for 55 additional 777-9s and 35 777-8s. It takes the airline’s 777X order book to a total of 205 units.

The carrier has also updated its previous order of 30 Boeing 787-9s, increasing its commitment to a total of 35 Dreamliners comprising 15 Boeing 787-10s and 20 Boeing 787-8s.

From its previous order of 115 units, the first 777-9 is expected to join Emirates’ fleet in 2025. Today’s additional orders mean Emirates will induct new 777-9s to its fleet until 2035.

Emirates is also set to be one of the launch customers of the 777-8 passenger variant, with deliveries expected to begin in 2030.

The new 777-9s and 777-8s will replace its retiring 777 aircraft.

Meanwhile the carrier has also confirmed an order of 202 GE9X engines to support the additional 777X aircraft ordered today, taking its total GE9X engine order to 460 units.

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

“These additional aircraft will enable Emirates to connect even more cities, supporting the Dubai economic agenda D33 set out by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to add 400 cities to Dubai’s foreign trade map over the next decade. By the early 2030s, we expect the Emirates fleet to be around 350-strong, connecting Dubai to even more cities around the world,” he adds.