Boeing and Emirates celebrate airline's 150th 777 delivery

Boeing and Emirates Airline today celebrated the simultaneous delivery of three 777s – two 777-300ERs and one 777 Freighter – marking the entry of the 150th 777 into Emirates' fleet.

The delivery marks the first time in 15 years that Boeing has delivered three 777s at one time to a single customer. 

Emirates is the world's largest operator of the 777 and also the only airline ever to operate all six of the 777 variants introduced into service by Boeing. 

Sir Tim Clark, president, Emirates airline, said: "We have enjoyed a strong and long-standing relationship with Boeing on the 777 programme. As the world's largest 777 operator, our multi-billion dollar commitment to the programme continues to support jobs and innovation across the aerospace manufacturing supply chain. The 777s give Emirates the range, reliability, and flexibility to efficiently serve close to 100 destinations on six continents with non-stop flights from our hub in Dubai. We are pleased to mark the delivery of our 150th 777 aircraft, and will continue to work closely with the Boeing team on the next generation 777X for the Emirates fleet." 

"This triple delivery to Emirates is an outstanding moment in a partnership that has grown phenomenally over the last three decades," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "As Emirates takes delivery of its 150th 777, it underlines the remarkable track record of this aircraft, undiminished as the leading long-haul passenger and cargo carrier. We are proud of this relationship and the confidence that Emirates has shown in Boeing airplanes over the years."  

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “In taking delivery of its 150th Boeing 777, Emirates has cemented its place in history not just as the biggest customer and operator of the 777 family, but it also signifies the dramatic growth in its business and fortunes since taking its first 777-200 back almost 20 years ago. 

“Emirates has relied on the evolution of the 777 family, having operated all 6 variants to date (777-200, 777-200ER, 777-300, 777F, 777-200LR and 777-300ER), it forms the backbone of their long haul operations. Indeed, if it were not for the 777 family, then Emirates would not have been able to launch new non-stop routes to the USA, Latin America or beyond. 

“The extreme range and payload capabilities of the 777-200LR for example, is what has allowed Emirates to launch the world's longest non-stop flight to Panama City from Dubai. Such feats would not have been achievable just over a decade ago, but it is the likes of the ground-breaking 777 that have allowed Emirates and other operators to open up markets that were not previously possible.” 

Ahmad added: “And as the biggest customer for the 777X family, Emirates is firmly placing its future growth in the hands of a product it knows well. The 777-8X and 777-9X will become the eventual models of choice for Emirates' organic expansion. Whether the airline moves to Dubai World Central to hone in on additional capacity for expansion in part or in whole is not nearly as important. The importance of the 777X family, which will bring the lowest fuel burn of any widebody airplane gives Emirates a massive competitive edge while being able to carry more passengers and more freight."