Emirates to Receive First Boeing 777-9 by 2025
Emirates is set to receive its first Boeing 777-9 aircraft by the end of 2025, following FAA’s certification approval, expanding its fleet with advanced, fuel-efficient models.
Photo Source: The Boeing Company
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has greenlit Boeing to commence 777-X certification flights, paving the way for Emirates to receive its first 777-9 aircraft by the end of 2025. Emirates, already the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, placed orders for 55 additional 777-9s and 35 777-8s at the Dubai Airshow 2023, bringing their total 777-X order to 205 units.
A senior aviation analyst highlighted that from its previous order of 115 units, the first 777-9 is expected to join Emirates’ fleet in 2025. The additional orders mean new 777-9s will be integrated into the fleet until 2035. Emirates is also a launch customer for the 777-8 passenger variant, with first deliveries anticipated in 2030.
Emirates has expressed enthusiasm about this milestone in the 777-X program, maintaining close contact with Boeing regarding the delivery of their 205 aircraft. The 777 models are central to Emirates’ operations, capable of up to 18-hour missions connecting Dubai non-stop to cities across six continents. The new 777-9s and 777-8s will replace retiring aircraft and support future growth.
The airline, the largest buyer of the 400-seat plane, anticipates the first 777-9 delivery by October 2025, despite delays pushing potential delivery dates into 2026. The 777-9, seating 426 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range of over 13,500 km, is expected to significantly enhance fleet efficiency.
Chief analyst Saj Ahmad remarked that the FAA certification will be welcomed by all customers awaiting this fuel-efficient aircraft. With over 530 orders for the 777-X family, the certification process is crucial for entering passenger service.
Boeing’s rigorous certification process, involving 3,500 flight hours over 1,200 test flights, is aimed at ensuring the 777-9 meets all safety and performance standards. The company remains confident in the aircraft’s market entry by 2025, following extensive testing and regulatory approval.
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