Emirates Considers Converting 787 Order to Boeing 777X Amid Delays

Emirates Airline is considering converting its order for 35 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Boeing 777X jets due to continued delays in the 787 program. The airline's Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer, Adel Al Redha, stated that Emirates is evaluating delivery schedules, cabin outfitting plans, and its wider fleet strategy as it prepares for the expected arrival of Boeing 777X aircraft from mid-next year.

The airline currently has a mix of 20 Boeing 787-8s and 15 Boeing 787-10s on order. Al Redha noted that Emirates is assessing whether the original order remains aligned with its operational requirements, considering two main options: proceeding with the 787 aircraft under a revised delivery schedule or converting the existing order to Boeing 777X aircraft.

The decision will influence the airline's wide-body fleet over the coming years and may affect the timing of Emirates' fleet growth and aircraft replacement plans. A prolonged wait for the 787 could impact the airline's ability to manage its fleet effectively, while converting the order to another Boeing wide-body type would change the composition of Emirates' future fleet.