Dubai: US planemaker Boeing and Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of Dubai’s flagship airline, announced Tuesday a firm order for an additional five 777 freighters with immediate delivery between 2025 and 2026.
The US$ 1 billion order will take the airline’s total order book to 315 widebody aircraft, Emirates said in a statement. The order also takes Emirates’ Boeing order book to 245 widebody aircraft, including 10 777 Freighters.
The airline said that once the new aircraft enters service, available main deck cargo capacity will increase by 30 per cent, allowing it to deploy much-needed space into key markets and better serve global customers.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said, “The next phase of our strategy will include a full assessment of our future freighter fleet, reviewing all aircraft options to ensure we are best equipped to respond to the evolving demands of the market. This reaffirms our confidence in the role of airfreight, and specifically Emirates SkyCargo, in global trade.”
“This investment in additional Boeing 777 capacity enables us to cater to customer demand and marks a step forward on our long-term strategic growth plan,” said Sheikh Ahmed.
He added, “Demand for our world-class product and services is growing exponentially, further amplified by Dubai’s Economic Agenda, which aims to double foreign trade and reinforce the city’s position as a global trading hub. This investment in additional Boeing 777 capacity enables us to cater to customer demand and marks a step forward on our long-term strategic growth plan.”
With the staggered delivery of its new aircraft, the carrier said it would retire older freighters. In addition to the 10 Boeing 777Fs on order, the airline is converting ten 777-300ERs into freighters, taking Emirates’ freighter fleet to 17 aircraft by the end of 2025.
According to Boeing, the 777 Freighter can fly further (9,200 kilometres) and carry more freight (102 metric tons) than any other twin-engine cargo jet.
“We are honoured that Emirates SkyCargo, renowned for operational excellence and innovation, has once again selected the Boeing 777 Freighter to extend the reach of its global network,” said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
She added, “We deeply value Emirates’ trust in the Boeing widebody family and are committed to supporting their long-term strategic growth plan.”
Aircraft deliveries
Boeing has delivered 265 of the 777 Freighters to date.
Following delays in production and deliveries for the aerospace firm, Boeing has faced increased scrutiny since a metal door plug flew off an Alaska Airlines 737 earlier this year. The embattled planemaker delivered 44 planes in June, including 35 aircraft from the company’s 737 Max model and three 787 Dreamliners.
According to data released by Boeing last week, this is the American OEM’s highest monthly total for deliveries since the company delivered 67 planes in December. Second-quarter deliveries (92) marked a slight increase over first-quarter deliveries (83).
Despite the quarterly increase, Boeing still trails France’s Airbus for the most commercial aircraft delivered this year. The European aerospace firm announced 67 June deliveries last week, bringing the company’s total to 323 planes. Boeing is expected to release its second-quarter financial results on July 31.
