MIDDLE EAST. Emirates and Qatar Airways have announced major fleet expansions which could see the two airlines add a total of 250 new aircraft.
The two airlines announced the deals at the Dubai Air Show, which commenced yesterday at the new Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport.
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Crown Prince of Dubai HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Airbus President and CEO Fabrice Brégier, EADS Chief Executive Tom Enders, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Emirates Airline and Group Chairman and Chief Executive HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum |
EMIRATES
Emirates said it had “rewritten all records in civil aviation” with an order for 150 Boeing 777X, comprising 35 Boeing 777-8Xs and 115 Boeing 777-9Xs, plus 50 purchase rights. It has also ordered an additional 50 Airbus A380 aircraft. The combined orders, excluding purchase rights, are worth an estimated US$99 billion at list prices.
Emirates Airline and Group Chairman and Chief Executive HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said: “Air transport is a key enabler of world trade, and we see that demand for aviation services will continue to grow globally. What we’re announcing today is a continuation of our commitment and vision to connect the world through our efficient hub in the Middle East.
“Emirates’ aircraft orders today, with deliveries of the 777X scheduled to start in 2020, will take us to 2025 and beyond – replacing aircraft due for retirement and providing the foundation for future growth.”
With these latest orders, Emirates’ total firm order book now stands at 385 aircraft (excluding options or purchase rights), comprising 214 Boeing 777s, 101 Airbus A380s, and 70 A350s, at a total estimated value of US$166 billion.
“We are honoured by Emirates’ commitment to the newly launched 777X and the significant long term boost this provides to US exports and jobs,” said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney.
“Emirates has been an integral part of the 777 success story for many years and today operates the largest fleet of 777s anywhere in the world. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Emirates and continuing to support Dubai’s expansion into a global aviation hub.”
Airbus CEO and President Fabrice Brégier added: “By strategically placing the A380 at the centre of its business, Emirates is maximizing its leading position with each day of operations. Emirates has understood from the start the A380’s advantages in terms of efficiency, economics and passenger comfort.
“It has been a true crowd-puller and contributor to the rapid development of Emirates and its Dubai hub. We value our partnership with Emirates airline and are pleased to see this getting stronger each day with their A380s flying.”
QATAR AIRWAYS
Qatar Airways also used day one of the Dubai Air Show to announced signature of a Letter of Intent to order 50 of the Boeing 777-9X variant. Until today, the airline had no orders for the 777X to join its fleet.
Currently Qatar Airways’ fleet is a mixture of various aircraft types, including 51 Boeing 777s – both Extended Range, Long Range and Freighters (37 are currently in service with the remaining pending delivery).
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GE Aviation President and CEO David Joyce; Boeing Chairman, President and CEO President, Jim McNerney; Dubai Civil Aviation Chairman and Emirates Group Chief Executive HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed-Al Maktoum; and Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker |
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said: “Today, I represent Qatar Airways and its Board Members in signing a Letter Of Intent for the purchase of 50 Boeing 777 – 9X aircraft, valued at US$19 billion at list prices.
“For Qatar Airways, the Boeing 777 is our flagship aircraft. It has been the backbone of the fleet. Operational on many of the routes Qatar Airways flies to, it is well admired by our crew and passengers alike; it is simply a fantastic aeroplane.
“Since Qatar Airways started taking deliveries of Boeing 777s in November 2007, our fleet has been significantly enhanced, enabling the airline to reach a route map covering the entire Middle East and most of Africa; the Indian sub-continent, Europe, Asia Pacific, North and South America.
“The Boeing 777 fits into the airline’s strategic growth plan and that is, to offer an extensive route map with optimal connectivity and ultimately – to be the airline of choice for customers, whether it is for long-haul, short-haul, business and/or leisure travel.”
Set up just 16 years ago, Qatar Airways now has a modern fleet of 130 aircraft to 133 business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas.
Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney said: “Boeing is very proud to have Qatar Airways amongst the launch customers for the new 777X program. Qatar Airways has enjoyed remarkable worldwide growth in recent years and we very much look forward to continuing to support the airline on its path to further success in the future.”
