Dubai, UAE: The first day of Dubai Airshow 2025 saw strong performance from Boeing. The announcement on November 17 said that the world’s largest international airline Emirates has placed its third order for 777X airplanes to fuel future expansion and meet growing travel demand. The new order for 65 777-9 passenger jets was announced during a signing at the Dubai Airshow.
Emirates, which has grown its global network with the Boeing 777 as its flagship, is one of the launch customers for the new 777X family and placed two previous orders totaling 205 airplanes. The new purchase brings Emirates’ 777X order – consisting of the 777-9 and 777-8 models – to 270 airplanes, further cementing its position as the largest 777X customer.
“Emirates is already the world’s largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group. “This is a long-term commitment to our partnership with Boeing and to US aerospace.”
“Each of our aircraft on order have been carefully factored into Emirates’ growth plan, which is aligned to Dubai’s growth plans,” Al Maktoum continued.
Building on the success of the 777, the 777-9 will be the world’s largest twin-engine jet and set new standards in efficiency and passenger experience. The 777-9 will reduce fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes it replaces. Passengers will travel comfortably with a wider, more spacious cabin, better humidity levels, a smoother ride and more natural light.
“We are deeply honored that Emirates has once again selected the Boeing 777X to power its future as the airline refreshes its world-class fleet and expands its vaunted global network,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Boeing has been a proud supporter of Emirates over the past 40 years as the airline has grown into one of the world’s leading carriers and developed a reputation for excellence and innovation. We look forward to growing our partnership and for Emirates to fly Boeing airplanes for decades to come.”
Major carriers around the world have selected the 777X and its robust design to handle high-capacity, long-range routes, including flights through harsh operational environments. Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) projects sustained Middle East demand for widebody airplanes, with the region expected to need nearly 3,000 new widebody jets over the next 20 years.
Additionally, Africa’s largest carrier Ethiopian Airlines committed to purchase 11 additional 737 MAX jets, as per the announcement. The agreement for 11 737-8, signed at the Dubai Airshow, will enable Ethiopian Airlines to grow its regional and international networks and expand its Addis Ababa hub.
“We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for additional 11 737-8 airplanes today during Dubai Airshow,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. “The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy. We are happy that our partnership with Boeing continues to grow over the years and we look forward to flying Boeing airplanes for years to come and that we will continue to serve our customers by bringing them high performance airplanes with passenger comfort.”
The carrier leverages the reliability, efficiency and range of its 737 MAX fleet on routes across Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southern Europe, where quick turnarounds and frequency are essential to meet passenger demand.
“Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to expand its 737 MAX fleet underscores its leadership in Africa. Our new agreement also strengthens our nearly 80-year partnership with the airline and region,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “We are proud that our efficient and versatile airplanes will continue to play a pivotal role in Ethiopian Airlines’ growth as they further connect the African continent and the world.”
Ethiopian Airlines operates the largest Boeing airplane fleet in Africa and has the largest backlog of 737 MAXs, 777X and 787 Dreamliner airplanes on the continent.
Another highlight of the first day of the Dubai Airshow was the West African carrier Air Sénégal’s commitment to order nine 737 MAX airplanes. When final, the 737 MAX order will be the airline’s largest-ever fleet purchase – and first Boeing airplane order since 2004 – as it looks to expand service regionally and internationally. With the introduction of the 737-8 to its single-aisle fleet, Air Senegal will expand its network in Europe and launch new routes from Dakar to the Middle East and Americas. The 737 MAX will also enable Air Senegal to serve secondary European cities, allowing fliers to save time bypassing major hubs.
“This acquisition marks a major milestone for Air Sénégal,” said chief executive officer Tidiane Ndiaye. “This order is part of Air Sénégal’s strategy to strengthen and modernise its fleet in order to support the expansion of its regional and intercontinental network and reinforce Dakar’s position as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.”
The 737-8 can carry up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration or fly up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). Air Senegal will benefit from the airplane’s operational efficiency as it reduces fuel use and emissions 20% and creates a 50% smaller noise footprint compared to the airplanes it replaces.
“We look forward to welcoming Air Senegal to the 737 MAX family as they leverage the versatility, reliability and advanced technology of the 737-8 to support their growth ambitions,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “We are committed to sustainable development of air travel in the region and will partner with Air Senegal as they enhance their fleet and passenger experience.”
The 737-8 airplane is well-suited to meet Africa’s rising air travel demand, which has been fueled by economic development and a young and growing population. Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts African carriers will need more than 1,200 new airplanes over the next two decades, with single-aisle jets comprising more than 70% of deliveries.
