Emirates has signed a purchase agreement for 30
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner airplanes, valued at $8.8 billion
according to list prices.
The agreement, signed at the Dubai Airshow,
culminates discussions between the two companies on the best 787
Dreamliner model to meet the airline's requirements.
Emirates had previously signed an initial
agreement for the larger 787-10 variant, but has now decided to
order
the 787-9 instead.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates
Chairman and Chief Executive, said, "I am pleased to announce a
firm order for 30 Boeing Dreamliners. This is an important
investment and addition to our future fleet and it reflects
Emirates' continued efforts to provide the best quality air
transport services to our customers. The 787s will complement our
fleet mix by expanding our operational flexibility in terms of
capacity, range and deployment. We are also pleased to reaffirm
our commitment to the Boeing 777X programme and look forward to
its entry into service."
As part of the agreement, Emirates will update a
portion of its large order book by exercising substitution rights
and converting 30 777 airplanes into 30 787-9s. With this
conversion, Emirates remains the world's biggest 777X customer
with 126 airplanes on order and the largest 777 operator with 155
airplanes today.
"We are excited to finalize this important order
from one of the world's leading airlines. Our agreement solidifies
Emirates' plan to operate the 787 Dreamliner and the 777X, which
make up the most efficient and most capable widebody combination
in the industry," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO
Stan Deal. "It is an honor to build on our successful partnership
with Emirates and continue to sustain many jobs at Boeing and our
supplier partners."
At 63 meters (206 feet), the 787-9 Dreamliner
can fly 296 passengers, in a typical two-class configuration, up
to 7,530 nautical miles (13,950 kilometers).
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