Dubai-based carrier Emirates is set to receive as many as 315 aircraft in future as part of its fleet and network expansion plan. Of these, 65 are the Airbus A350-900, while the rest are Boeing aircraft.
According to details received by Economy Middle East, the break-up of deliveries is as follows:
- Airbus A350-900: 65 aircraft
- Boeing 777-9: 170
- Boeing 777-8: 35
- Boeing 787-10: 15
- Boeing 787-8: 20
- Boeing 777 Freighters: 10
The inclusion of these aircraft in the coming years is going to further boost the airline’s revenue and profitability. The airline reported a 13 percent jump in revenue in 2023-24 to $33 billion, while capacity was up 20 percent. Net profit, meanwhile, soared 63 percent to $4.7 billion.
Currently, Emirates operates a fleet that consists of the Airbus A380 aircraft and Boeing 777s. Let’s take a look at the new aircraft that are set to join the Emirates fleet.
A350-900
As the cornerstone member in the Airbus A350 family, the A350-900 accommodates 300-350 passengers in a standard three-class configuration. It flies efficiently on everything from short-range segments to ultra-long-range routes of up to 9,700nm (18,000km) non-stop. A350-900 benefits from the most modern airliner cabin – delivering new standards of comfort to passengers throughout the flight. The advances made in the A350’s cabin have led to development of the airspace concept, which delivers the perfect space for passenger well-being, which is now offered on other members of Airbus’ commercial aircraft families. The cabin’s quietness contributes to a relaxing environment, while the latest in-flight entertainment allows passengers to access movies on demand or stay up-to-date with the world below, thanks to Wi-Fi and mobile phone connectivity.
Airbus launched the Ultra Long Range version of its A350-900 as part of the company’s continuous innovation philosophy. Designated the A350-900ULR, it can fly further than any other aircraft in commercial service – up to 9,700nm. With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 280 tonnes, the A350-900ULR can fly more than 20 hours non-stop, combining the highest levels of passenger and crew comfort with unbeatable economics for such distances.
Boeing 777-9
Boeing 777-9 seats 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration. It has a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km). The 777-9 will be one of the largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet in the world. It has the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial aeroplane and an exceptional passenger experience. Emirates has ordered 170 of these.
Boeing 777-8
The 777-8 seats 395 two-class passengers. It has an incredible range capability of up to 8,745 nautical miles (16,190km). The 777-8 also has the capacity to provide more revenue through more payload and improved fuel efficiency at both short and long ranges. This capability also allows the 777-8 to carry that increased payload at more challenging airports, such as those constrained by high altitudes or hot temperatures. The 777-8 offers both range and payload, maximizing value for operators.
Boeing 777-8 Freighter
Boeing 777-8 Freighter is the world’s most capable twin-engine freighter. It has a structural payload (gross) of 107 tonnes and a revenue payload of 102 tonnes. The aircraft has a low operating cost with high reliability. It complements the 777 family and the 747 Freighter. The plane has a range 4,970 nm, according to the information by Boeing.
Boeing 787-10
The 787-10 Dreamliner can accommodate 336 people in a standard two-class configuration. It has a range of 11,730km and is 68 metres long.
Boeing 787-8
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is the smallest of the three siblings, measuring just 57 metres long. The aircraft can accommodate up to 248 passengers in a two-class cabin and has an estimated range of 7,305 nautical miles (13,530 km).
Read more: Emirates’ first retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft enters service, to fly to Geneva
Emirates to launch Boeing 777s t0 two more cities
On August 13, 2024, Emirates announced plans to introduce its newly retrofitted Boeing 777s to two more cities, Zurich and Riyadh, from October 1, 2024. The airline will also layer on refurbished B777s to Geneva and Brussels operations. This makes them the first two cities in the airline’s network to sport refreshed B777 cabins on all flights. The airline aims to offer customers more of its highly acclaimed premium economy product and newly configured business class cabin on the Boeing 777 in the coming weeks and months.
Emirates’ enhanced B777s will operate as follows:
- To Zurich, Emirates will operate its retrofitted Boeing 777 on EK 85 and EK 86 starting from October 1, 2024.
- Emirates’ enhanced Boeing 777 featuring its latest cabins will also land in Riyadh for the first time, as EK 819 and EK 820 from October 1, 2024. This will be the first debut of Emirates’ premium economy in the Middle East/GCC.
- From September 22, 2024, Geneva will become the first city in the Emirates network to offer premium economy seats and newly refreshed business class cabins on all flights, with the introduction of the retrofitted B777 on EK 89 and EK 90.
- From October 9, 2024, Emirates will operate its second retrofitted B777 to Brussels on EK 181 and EK 182 six times weekly.
Emirates aims to provide more choice
The airline is providing customers more choice and a better experience in the skies across every cabin class. The airline plans to serve 28 cities with Premium Economy by the end of this year. So far, 25 aircraft have been retrofitted, with 17 more aircraft to undergo a facelift by December 2024. The four-class Boeing 777 is configured with six or eight first class suites, 38 business class seats in a four-abreast arrangement, 24 seats in premium economy in a 2-4-2 layout, and 256 Economy class seats. Customers flying in the new Emirates 777 Business Class can look forward to spacious seats, more privacy, with the luxury of uninterrupted sleep with a 180 degree fully reclined flat bed. With the middle seat removed, each 20.7-inch-wide soft leather seat offers aisle access for every customer, in addition to a wooden table for dining or working, multiple charging outlets for personal devices and new seat button controls.
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