Boeing launched a long-awaited new version of its 777 long-haul jet with 259 orders from four airlines at the Dubai Airshow on Sunday.
Boeing Chairman James McNerney said the order, based on commitments worth some $100 billion at list prices, was the largest combined order in the company’s history.
The deal includes orders for 150 of the aircraft from Dubai’s Emirates, 50 from Qatar Airways and 25 announced earlier by Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways.
Boeing also won an order for over 100 narrowbody jets from budget carrier flydubai.
“In recent years much of the attraction in global aviation has shifted to the Middle East because countries like the UAE and Qatar have tapped into our geographical advantage to build a new airport transport connection for the world,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman of Emirates, told reporters.
The 777 orders will replace some ageing aircraft and help add capacity to both airlines.
“This order will help Emirates meet it’s future need … and ensure Emirates can continue to be competitive with the latest and most efficient aircraft. The order will help it serve new customers around the world. The order (for both Emirates and Fly Dubai) ensures our commitment and long-term vision for the aviation vision up to 2025 and beyond,” Sheikh Ahmed added.
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker described the 777 fleet as a revolutionary aircraft that would transform the industry, claiming it was already the airline’s flagship aircraft and had been the backbone of Qatar’s fleet as it rapidly expanded. “(The new order will help) to chart a new course for Qatar Airways to elevate our fleet to a new level,”Al Bakar said.
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