Emirates Airline has confirmed a$38bn purchase of 65 Boeing 777X jets, representing a major commercial success for Boeing at the opening of the Dubai Airshow 2025 on November 17.

The Boeing 777-9, equipped with folding wingtips and advanced aerodynamics, is designed to offer improved fuel efficiency and greater passenger capacity. The programme has faced multiple certification and production delays, but Boeing expects deliveries to Emirates to begin in 2027.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, said “This is a long-term commitment that supports hundreds of thousands of high-value jobs in the manufacturing sector,” he said during the signing ceremony. 

“It also reflects our continued confidence in the 777X programme and our 40-year partnership with Boeing and GE,” he added.

The new order brings Emirates’ total commitment to the 777X family to nearly 270 aircraft, strengthening its position as the world’s largest customer for Boeing’s next-generation wide-body jet. The airline also confirmed a related purchase of GE9X engines, which will power the 777-9 fleet.

The Dubai-based carrier is expanding its long-haul capabilities on the back of record financial results and sustained growth in demand for travel through Dubai, one of the world’s busiest international aviation hubs. The additional 777-9s are expected to bolster the airline’s wide-body fleet as it prepares for further network expansion over the next decade.

The Dubai Airshow, held at Al Maktoum International Airport, opened with strong momentum as the Emirates order quickly became one of the largest headline announcements of the event. 

The agreement with Boeing provides strong momentum for the feasibility study relating to developing the larger 777-10 model within the 777X family, with the carrier signing options to convert its new 777-9 order to either 777-10 or 777-8 variants.

"Emirates consistently confirms its need for larger capacity and more efficient aircraft to support its operations and global network, particularly given expected growth in air transport and increasing constraints at global airports. We see Boeing's study to develop the 777-10 model as an important direction to meet global carrier requirements, and we fully support this step," Sheikh Ahmed said.

Stephanie Pope, President and Chief Executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the company is honoured that Emirates has again chosen the Boeing 777X to lead its future plans as it renews its global fleet and expands its international network.