Emirates Airline is ordering 42 Boeing 777 aircraft, to be powered by GE90 jet engines, in a deal worth U.S. $9.7 billion. 

This is the largest-ever order for the Boeing 777 family of aircraft and consists of: 24 Boeing 777-300ERs, 10 777-200LR Worldliners and eight 777 Freighters, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2007. In addition, Emirates will have purchase rights for 20 more 777
aircraft.

 
Emirates intends to use the 777 to extend and strengthen its routes to
key cities in Europe and Asia, and operate to new markets. The
777-200LR, which recently broke the world distance record for a
commercial airliner, will allow Emirates to explore new destinations
including non-stop flights to cities on the U.S. West Coast. 

Emirates’ Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum commented: “Global air travel demand has been resilient, with particularly strong growth in the Middle East region and Asia, where burgeoning economies have led to vigorous trade and tourism exchanges. Having an advanced and efficient fleet of aircraft will allow Emirates
to tap into the opportunities presented by this environment, and allow
us to continue providing customers with faster air connections and
superior travel comfort.”

Alan Mulally, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive
Officer said, “We are very happy that Emirates has decided to use the
entire 777 family as a cornerstone for its fleet operations, and we are
excited to witness how the airline will benefit from the superior
economics of the 777.”

This new deal boosts Emirates current aircraft order book to 132, with a
total value of U.S. $37.4 billion, and adds to the airline’s 23 Boeing
777-300ERs; 45 A380s; 20 A340-600s; and two A310Fs pending delivery.
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