The opening day of the Dubai Air Show 2023 turned out to be a massive success for Boeing, with the aviation giant announcing deals totaling over $63 billion for widebody aircraft from its 777X and 787 Dreamliner families. The mammoth agreements from Emirates, flydubai and others underscore the importance of widebody aircraft demand from Middle Eastern carriers and their ambitions to expand long-haul operations.
Emirates Places Largest 777X Order from Boeing
In the biggest deal of the day, Dubai-based Emirates announced a $52 billion agreement to purchase 50 additional Boeing 777-9s – the larger of the two 777X models – as well as 35 of the smaller 777-8s. This brings Emirates’ total order of the next-generation 777X family to 205 aircraft.
Emirates also increased its existing order for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, adding 5 more 787-10s and converting existing 30 orders to the smaller 787-8 variant. The airline now has 35 Dreamliners on order.
With this deal, Emirates retains its title as the largest 777 operator and Boeing’s biggest 777X customer. The airline plans to use both the 777X and 787 to continue connecting passengers through its Dubai hub on long-haul flights. Deliveries of the 777-9, which can carry over 400 passengers, will start in 2025 after years of delays.
FlyDubai Goes Widebody with 787-9 Order
In parallel, Dubai’s low-cost carrier flydubai announced a landmark $11 billion order for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners – its first ever widebody purchase. This signals flydubai’s intention to launch longer-range flights beyond its existing short-haul 737 fleet.
The 787-9s, which can fly over 7500 nautical miles, will give flydubai the capability to operate new long-haul routes and expand connectivity options for passengers. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026.
Boeing 737 MAX Regains Momentum with Multiple Orders
In addition to the widebody deals, Boeing racked up orders for 90 737 MAX narrowbodies from customers including Sun Express, ALC and Royal Air Maroc.
These orders provide further momentum for Boeing’s best-selling 737 MAX, which has rebounded after a prolonged grounding to become an integral part of many airlines’ short-haul networks.
The 737 MAX offers airlines improved fuel efficiency and range capabilities over older 737 models. Boeing has over 3000 firm orders for the MAX family, underlining strong demand globally.
Widebody Aircraft Demand Shows Middle East Carriers’ Ambitions
The mammoth Dubai Airshow deals for both the 777X and 787 Dreamliner demonstrate that Middle Eastern carriers remain at the forefront of long-haul aviation growth.
Carriers like Emirates and flydubai are leveraging their geographic position to connect traffic from around the world through the Gulf hubs. Their sizable widebody orders reflect confidence in long-term growth in intercontinental air travel.
Boeing’s success on day one also highlights its competitive position in the large widebody aircraft segment, where the 777X and 787 families are expected to gain market share relative to Airbus’ A350.
After facing headwinds, Boeing needed the Dubai boost for its newest programs. The company will hope further widebody orders materialize as the week-long airshow continues.
Defense Deals Also Signed
Away from commercial aviation, the Dubai Airshow saw some initial defense contracts signed as well, according to the Tawazun Council. Deals worth 4.7 billion Dirhams were announced on day one, though further details were not released.
The Dubai Airshow has grown beyond commercial aerospace to also become an important platform for defense contractors and buyers in the Middle East. More announcements around defense and military systems are anticipated over the next few days at the event.
So in summary, Boeing was undoubtedly the big winner on day one, riding a wave of widebody orders from Middle Eastern carriers investing heavily to enlarge their long-haul fleets. The company will look to carry this sales momentum forward for the remainder of the airshow.
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