Emirates breaks airline records with $99 billion aircraft purchase at Dubai air show
Global airline brand Emirates has completed the purchase of $99 billion worth of new aircraft at the Dunai air show, a move which it says rewrites the records of civil aviation ordering.
THe purchase breaks civil aviation records
The airline has ordered 150 Boeing 777 aircraft, and 50 more of the world’s largest passenger plane, the Airbus A380, making Emirates the principal customer for the plane worldwide.
“This is the largest ever aircraft order in civil aviation and also Emirates’ largest order announced at any event to date,” Emirates said in a statement.
“Air transport is a key enabler of world trade, and we see that demand for aviation services will continue to grow globally,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
“What we’re announcing today is a continuation of our commitment and vision to connect the world through our efficient hub in the Middle East. Emirates’ aircraft orders today, with deliveries of the 777X scheduled to start in 2020, will take us to 2025 and beyond – replacing aircraft due for retirement and providing the foundation for future growth,”
Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney said the purchase represented a significant long term boost to U.S. exports and jobs.
“Emirates has been an integral part of the 777 success story for many years and today operates the largest fleet of 777s anywhere in the world,” he said.
Fabrice Brégier, Airbus CEO and President said: “By strategically placing the A380 at the centre of its business, Emirates is maximizing its leading position with each day of operations. Emirates has understood from the start the A380’s advantages in terms of efficiency, economics and passenger comfort. It has been a true crowd-puller and contributor to the rapid development of Emirates and its Dubai hub.”
Emirates currently has 131 Boeing 777s in operation, and 39 Airbus A380s. Emirates said the purchase would help the brand to meet fleet expansion and fleet replacement needs.