Emirates placed one of the largest wide-body aircraft orders of the decade, signing a massive $38 billion deal for 65 Boeing 777-9 jets at the Dubai Airshow. The airline is doubling down on long-haul travel as global demand for premium and high-capacity routes continues to rise. The new order expands Emirates’ future fleet of Boeing 777X aircraft to 270 jets, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest operator of long-haul wide-bodies. Despite the 777X programme facing years of delays, the agreement gives Emirates flexibility to convert part of the order into other variants like the 777-8 or the proposed 777-10, ensuring long-term adaptability.

Beyond adding capacity, the deal signals Emirates’ confidence in aviation’s recovery and the region’s fast-growing travel demand. The airline has built its global dominance on connecting continents through Dubai, and this order ensures it maintains that lead well into the 2030s. With fuel-efficient engines, higher passenger capacity, and new cabin upgrades, the next-generation 777X family supports Emirates’ strategy of offering premium comfort while keeping operating costs manageable. For Boeing, the order arrives at a crucial time, giving its wide-body programme renewed momentum.