DUBAI — Emirates, the world’s leading international airline, cemented its future fleet strategy by ordering 65 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft, valued at $38 billion at list prices, powered by GE 9X engines, announced during the opening day of the Dubai Airshow 2025 on Nov. 17, 2025. This substantial investment significantly expands the carrier’s commitment to the Boeing 777X program, raising its total widebody orderbook with Boeing to 315 aircraft and confirming a long-term economic partnership spanning decades and supporting thousands of high-value manufacturing jobs across the United States.
The mega-order, which includes 130 additional GE9X engines, underscores Emirates’ ambitious expansion goals aligned with Dubai’s projected growth and solidifies its position as the largest global operator of the Boeing 777 series. The latest acquisition builds on an existing fleet plan comprising 270 Boeing 777Xs, 10 Boeing 777 freighters, and 35 Boeing 787s. With deliveries anticipated to commence in the second quarter of 2027, the airline’s aggressive procurement schedule is now projected to extend until 2038.
Focus on Capacity and Efficiency
The strategic investment is driven by Emirates’ need for larger, more efficient aircraft to navigate projected global air traffic growth and increasing constraints at major international travel hubs. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, emphasized the importance of maintaining a young and modern fleet equipped with innovative cabin products as a cornerstone of the airline’s strategy.
“Emirates is already the world’s largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders worth $38 billion,” Sheikh Ahmed said. “This is a long-term commitment and testament to our partnership with Boeing and GE, and to U.S. aerospace.”
A forward-looking aspect of this agreement involves Emirates supporting Boeing’s feasibility study for the proposed 777-10, an even larger variant of the 777X family. Emirates secured options to potentially convert its new 777-9 orders into either the 777-10 or the 777-8 models, signaling a continued preference for maximum capacity airliners. Sheikh Ahmed noted that the airline strongly supports the development of larger capacity aircraft that offer efficient operations.
Deepening Industry Partnerships
The deal further reinforces the longstanding collaborative relationships between Emirates, Boeing, and GE Aerospace.
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, expressed honor that Emirates “has once again selected the Boeing 777X to power its future” as the airline refreshes its fleet and expands its global network. Boeing has supported Emirates’ growth for over 40 years, helping the airline connect Dubai to over 140 global destinations across six continents.
The engine order for 130 GE9X units strengthens GE Aerospace’s ties with the carrier, which is already the world’s largest customer for the GE90 and GP7200 engines. Russell Stokes, President & CEO, Commercial Engines & Services for GE Aerospace, called the additional GE9X order a reflection of Emirates’ confidence in their technology’s efficiency and durability.
Economic Impact Across the U.S.
Beyond connecting global travel, this massive order translates into significant economic development across the United States. The commitment ensures the sustained manufacturing of the 777X airframes and the advanced GE9X engines.
Hundreds of thousands of high-value manufacturing jobs will be supported over the life of these programs in states including Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, and Washington. This long-term order serves as robust backing for the U.S. aerospace industry, injecting essential capital and stability into the supply chain for the next two decades.
Emirates’ decision solidifies its strategy to operate one of the most modern and capable widebody fleets globally, ensuring the airline remains competitive and aligned with Dubai’s status as a pivotal nexus for international travel and commerce.