Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Emirates Orders 65 Boeing 777X Jets in $38 Billion Deal
Emirates places a $38 billion order for 65 Boeing 777-9 jets, expanding its 777X fleet with deliveries starting in 2027 through 2038.
Emirates Places Landmark US$ 38 Billion Order for 65 Boeing 777X Jets
The opening day of the Dubai Airshow 2025 was marked by a monumental announcement from Emirates, the world’s largest international airline. The carrier placed a firm order for 65 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft, a deal valued at US$ 38 billion at list prices. This significant investment not only deepens the long-standing strategic partnership between the Dubai-based airline and the American aerospace manufacturer but also sends a powerful signal of confidence in the future of global air travel. The agreement underscores the critical role of the Middle East in the aviation sector, a region where spending by airlines is projected to climb significantly.
This multi-billion dollar commitment is more than just a fleet expansion; it’s a foundational element of Emirates’ long-term growth strategy, meticulously aligned with the ambitious development plans of its home hub, Dubai. By securing a pipeline of next-generation, fuel-efficient wide-body aircraft, Emirates is positioning itself to meet projected traffic growth and navigate the increasing constraints at major international airports. The order solidifies the airline’s status as the world’s largest operator of the Boeing 777 and makes it the biggest customer for the new 777X program, reinforcing its commitment to operating a young and modern fleet.
A Deeper Dive into the Landmark Order
The agreement announced at the Dubai Airshow is comprehensive, covering not just airframes but the entire propulsion system. Alongside the 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, Emirates also ordered an additional 130 GE9X engines from GE Aerospace to power the new jets. This brings the airline’s total commitment for the advanced GE9X engines to 540 units. The scale of this transaction is a testament to the airline’s meticulous long-range planning and its trust in its key manufacturing partners.
The Specifics of the Fleet Enhancement
With this new purchase, Emirates’ total order book for the Boeing 777X family has swelled to an impressive 270 aircraft. This figure firmly establishes the airline as the cornerstone customer for Boeing’s next-generation wide-body program. The overall order book with Boeing now stands at 315 aircraft, which also includes 35 Boeing 787s and 10 additional Boeing 777 freighters, highlighting a clear strategy focused on modern, efficient twin-engine jets for its future operations. This move continues the airline’s legacy with the 777 family, having operated every model since its inception.
The delivery schedule for these new aircraft outlines a clear, long-term vision. Emirates expects to receive its first 777-9 from this order in the second quarter of 2027, with subsequent deliveries planned to continue through 2038. This extended timeline allows for a phased integration of the new aircraft, enabling a steady replacement of older models and a gradual expansion of the network. The Boeing 777-9 is set to become the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, with Boeing projecting a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared to the aircraft it will replace.
This strategic fleet planning ensures that Emirates will maintain one of the youngest and most advanced fleets in the sky for decades to come. The new 777-9s will become the airline’s future flagship, complementing its incoming fleet of Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s. This diversified but streamlined fleet of next-generation aircraft will provide operational flexibility, efficiency, and an enhanced passenger experience, which has always been a core tenet of the Emirates brand.
“Each of our aircraft on order has been carefully factored into Emirates’ expansion plan, which is aligned to Dubai’s growth plans. Flying a young and modern fleet with innovative cabin products has always been a cornerstone of Emirates’ strategy.”, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.
Future-Proofing with an Eye on the 777-10
A particularly forward-looking aspect of the agreement is Emirates’ explicit support for Boeing’s feasibility study into a larger variant, the 777-10. The deal includes provisions for Emirates to convert its new 777-9 orders to either the smaller 777-8 or the potential 777-10. This flexibility demonstrates the airline’s keen interest in securing even larger capacity aircraft to manage future passenger demand efficiently, especially at slot-constrained hub airports.
This move signals a strong industry endorsement for the development of larger aircraft, a segment Emirates has historically championed with its massive Airbus A380 fleet. As global air traffic continues to rebound and grow, the ability to transport more passengers with a single aircraft movement becomes increasingly valuable. By backing the 777-10 study, Emirates is helping to shape the future of long-haul aircraft design to meet its operational needs.
While the order paints a confident picture of the future, the aviation industry is not without its challenges. Widespread supply chain delays, particularly affecting engines and cabin interiors, have impacted delivery schedules for both major aircraft manufacturers. These industry-wide headwinds could potentially influence the timeline for the 777X program. However, Emirates’ long-term commitment, stretching to 2038, provides a stable, predictable demand that helps manufacturers and their suppliers navigate these complexities.
Broader Implications and a Strengthened Partnership
This landmark order extends far beyond the balance sheets of Emirates and Boeing; it carries significant economic and industrial weight. The agreement represents a massive, long-term investment in the U.S. aerospace manufacturing sector. It is expected to support a substantial number of jobs across the supply chain in numerous states, including Washington, Texas, Kansas, and Ohio, reinforcing the deep economic ties forged through decades of partnership.
“We are deeply honoured that Emirates has once again selected the Boeing 777X to power its future as the airline refreshes its world-class fleet and expands its vaunted global network.”, Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
For Boeing, this order is a powerful vote of confidence in the 777X program as it progresses through its final stages of flight testing and certification. Securing such a substantial follow-on order from the program’s largest customer provides stability and a clear path forward for production. Similarly, for GE Aerospace, the significant order for GE9X engines reaffirms its leadership in the market for high-thrust, fuel-efficient powerplants for wide-body aircraft.
Conclusion: Charting a Course for the Future
In summary, Emirates’ US$ 38 billion order for 65 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft is a defining moment for the airline and the aviation industry at large. It is a clear, decisive move that secures the carrier’s fleet for the next decade and beyond, ensuring it remains at the forefront of efficiency and passenger service. The deal not only strengthens a vital transatlantic partnership but also provides a significant boost to the U.S. aerospace industry.
Ultimately, this investment is a bold declaration of faith in the sustained growth of international air travel and Dubai’s central role as a global crossroads. By committing to the next generation of wide-body aircraft, Emirates is not just purchasing new planes; it is building the foundation for its future, ensuring it has the capacity, efficiency, and modern technology to connect the world for decades to come.
FAQ
Question: What specific aircraft did Emirates order at the Dubai Airshow 2025?
Answer: Emirates placed a firm order for 65 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft, valued at US$ 38 billion at list prices.
Question: How many Boeing 777X aircraft does Emirates have on order in total now?
Answer: Following this new order, Emirates’ total order book for the Boeing 777X family stands at 270 aircraft.
Question: When are the new aircraft scheduled for delivery?
Answer: Emirates expects to begin receiving the first 777-9 aircraft from this order in the second quarter of 2027, with the full delivery schedule extending to 2038.
Sources
Photo Credit: Emirates
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Boeing and Icelease Agree on Up to Three 767-300BCF Aircraft
Icelease signs for up to three Boeing 767-300BCF aircraft, with conversions at ST Engineering Singapore starting Q1 2027.
The Boeing Company and aircraft lessor Icelease have finalized an agreement for up to three Boeing 767-300 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) aircraft, marking the leasing firm’s expansion into the medium widebody cargo market.
Announced in a press release on November 2, 2026, the transaction includes one firm order and options for two additional conversions. The aircraft will join the managed cargo portfolio of IAT Leasing, a Dublin-based sister company to Icelease.
Conversion timeline and operational details
The formal signing ceremony for the agreement took place on October 22, 2026, during the Cargo Facts Symposium. The physical conversion work will be executed at ST Engineering’s airframe maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities located in Singapore.
Induction of the first Boeing 767-300 aircraft for conversion is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. Delivery of the completed Boeing 767-300BCF to Icelease and IAT Leasing is expected to follow in the second quarter of 2027. The Boeing Converted Freighter programs are managed by The Boeing Company’s Global Services division.
Lindsey Douglas, Vice President of Cabin, Modifications, Maintenance and Digital Services at The Boeing Company, stated that the agreement underlines the continued collaboration between the two companies to meet global cargo demand.
Sigthor Einarsson, Managing Partner at Icelease, noted the strategic importance of the deal for the lessor’s broader fleet strategy.
“This agreement with Boeing to convert up to three Boeing 767 aircraft marks an important milestone for both Icelease and its Dublin-based sister company IAT Leasing,” Einarsson said.
Icelease and IAT Leasing’s growing cargo portfolio
The Boeing 767-300BCF order builds upon an established relationship between the manufacturer and the lessor. Icelease, an aircraft leasing company with a 21-year history, specializes in aircraft acquisitions, leasing, operations, finance, and investor relations. The firm was originally formed as a spinoff from Icelandair in 2005.
On November 14, 2021, Icelease placed an order for 11 Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (737-800BCF) aircraft during the Dubai Airshow. That order established Icelease as the launch customer for a new conversion line at Boeing’s London Gatwick MRO facility.
The newly ordered widebody freighters will be managed by IAT Leasing. Incorporated in late 2023, IAT Leasing is owned by four equity partners. The Dublin-based entity has rapidly built a portfolio of approximately 40 narrowbody and widebody passenger and Cargo aircraft, which are leased to operators globally. The company’s current managed cargo portfolio already includes seven Boeing 737-800BCF aircraft.
“The history between Icelease and Boeing dates over 20 years and includes a multitude of new aircraft deliveries as well as cargo conversions,” Einarsson said. “The Boeing 767-300BCF will join the growing managed cargo aircraft portfolio of IAT Leasing, which already includes seven Boeing 737-800BCF and other freighters leased to various customers.”
Widebody freighter market outlook
The Boeing 767-300BCF is positioned to serve regional and long-haul cargo networks as a highly efficient medium widebody converted freighter. The aircraft offers a payload capacity of 57 tonnes and a maximum range of 3,300 nautical miles.
The Icelease order aligns with broader industry forecasts regarding long-term air cargo growth. On October 28, 2026, The Boeing Company released projections indicating that the global freighter fleet will exceed 4,000 airplanes by 2045. The manufacturer anticipates that air cargo traffic will double over the same period, providing a sustained demand environment for passenger-to-freighter conversion programs across both narrowbody and widebody platforms.
AirPro News analysis
We view Icelease’s transition from narrowbody to medium widebody conversions as a natural progression for lessors seeking to capture higher-yield cargo segments. While the Boeing 737-800BCF serves domestic and regional express networks effectively, the Boeing 767-300BCF provides the volume and range necessary for intercontinental e-commerce flows. By securing conversion slots at ST Engineering for 2027, Icelease and IAT Leasing are positioning their portfolio to absorb capacity demands as older widebody freighters face retirement toward the end of the decade. The decision to allocate these assets to the recently formed IAT Leasing also highlights the robust investor appetite for dedicated freighter leasing vehicles.
Photo Credit: Boeing
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
AerCap Leases Two Boeing 777-300ERSF to Turkish Airlines
AerCap finalizes lease of two Boeing 777-300ERSF freighters to Turkish Airlines, with deliveries scheduled for 2027.
AerCap Holdings N.V. has finalized lease agreements with Turkish Airlines for two Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighters, with deliveries scheduled between March and September 2027.
Announced on October 29, 2026, the transaction expands the Turkish flag carrier’s dedicated cargo capacity while utilizing Etihad Engineering’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Abu Dhabi for the passenger-to-freighter (P2F) modifications. In a press release detailing the agreement, the Dublin-based aviation lessor emphasized the strategic alignment between the aircraft’s capabilities and the airline’s expanding freight network.
Expanding Turkish Airlines’ cargo operations
The agreement builds on an existing relationship between AerCap and Turkish Airlines, which operates a large international network requiring substantial dedicated cargo lift. The addition of the two widebody freighters is intended to support the carrier’s volume requirements on high-demand international routes.
Peter Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer at AerCap, stated that the aircraft will provide the airline with additional cargo capacity combined with the performance capabilities specific to the 777-300ERSF platform. Financial terms of the lease agreements, including the exact lease duration and the specific aircraft serial numbers, were not disclosed in the announcement.
The Big Twin conversion program
The Boeing 777-300ERSF, marketed as “The Big Twin,” is a P2F conversion program developed through a joint venture between AerCap and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It represents the first program designed to convert the Boeing 777-300ER into a dedicated freighter configuration.
According to AerCap’s cargo division, the 777-300ERSF offers 25 percent more cargo volume than the factory-built Boeing 777-200LRF. This increased capacity positions the converted twin-engine aircraft as a cost-effective replacement for aging four-engine Boeing 747 freighters currently operating in the global fleet.
AerCap delivered the first 777-300ERSF to launch customer Kalitta Air in September 2025. Since that initial delivery, the lessor has handed over aircraft to Fly Meta and secured lease agreements with other major operators, including Ethiopian Airlines and China Southern Group.
Regional conversion strategy in Abu Dhabi
The physical conversion of the two aircraft destined for Turkish Airlines will be executed at the Etihad Engineering MRO hub in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This facility serves as a dedicated regional conversion center for the 777-300ERSF program.
Anderson highlighted the strategic importance of the location, noting that the Abu Dhabi facility provides a regional platform capability that enables aircraft to be converted in the Middle East prior to delivery. This localized approach is designed to efficiently serve customers across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) market.
“The dedicated 777-300ERSF conversion facility at Etihad Engineering’s MRO hub in Abu Dhabi provides an important regional platform capability, enabling the aircraft to be converted in the Middle East ahead of delivery to Turkish Airlines,” Anderson said.
AerCap’s broader market position
The Turkish Airlines agreement follows a period of strong financial performance for AerCap. On October 28, 2026, the company reported its third-quarter financial results, citing record adjusted earnings per share and raising its full-year 2026 guidance amid high lease rates and sustained demand for aviation assets.
As of September 30, 2026, AerCap’s total portfolio included 1,537 owned and managed aircraft, alongside approximately 1,300 engines and over 300 helicopters. The company’s dedicated cargo division manages a fleet of approximately 110 owned, managed, and on-order freighters, having completed more than 160 passenger-to-freighter conversions to date.
AirPro News analysis
We view the placement of 777-300ERSF aircraft with a major network carrier like Turkish Airlines as a strong validation of the Big Twin program’s economic proposition. As operators look to phase out older Boeing 747 freighters, the 25 percent volume advantage over the 777-200LRF makes the converted 300ER an attractive middle ground between factory-built twin-engine freighters and legacy four-engine platforms. Utilizing the Etihad Engineering facility in Abu Dhabi for a European customer also demonstrates the logistical efficiency of AerCap’s decentralized conversion strategy, reducing ferry times and regional friction for EMEA operators.
Photo Credit: AerCap
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
CDB Aviation Leases Additional Boeing 737-800 to Neos
CDB Aviation will deliver a Boeing 737-800 to Italian leisure carrier Neos in November 2026, expanding a partnership begun in 2021.
Irish aircraft lessor CDB Aviation will expand its existing relationship with Italian leisure carrier Neos S.p.A. by leasing the airline one additional Boeing 737-800 narrowbody aircraft. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in November 2026 and will support the carrier’s intra-European and intercontinental route networks.
The agreement, announced in an October 28, 2026, press release, builds upon a leasing partnership established between the two companies in 2021. The transaction highlights continued demand for current-generation narrowbody assets to sustain short- and medium-haul leisure operations.
Expanding the Neos narrowbody fleet
Neos, a wholly owned subsidiary of Alpitour S.p.A. based at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), operates an all-Boeing fleet. The airline currently utilizes 18 aircraft, comprising the Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737 MAX 8, and widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The Boeing 737-800 serves as a core asset for the airline’s short- to medium-haul leisure routes. Neos deploys these narrowbody aircraft on intra-European and select intercontinental flights. This narrowbody capacity complements its widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, which is dedicated to long-haul operations across the carrier’s 85 global destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Marco Brusa, Chief Operating Officer of Neos, stated that the planned addition reflects confidence in the lessor as a trusted partner.
“We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with CDB Aviation with the planned addition of this Boeing 737-800 to our fleet,” Brusa said. “This agreement builds on our established relationship and reflects our confidence in CDB Aviation as a trusted partner. We look forward to welcoming the aircraft and continuing our successful collaboration.”
A growing lessor-operator partnership
The commercial relationship between CDB Aviation and Neos began in 2021 with an initial agreement covering two Boeing 737-800s. CDB Aviation officially announced the delivery of those two aircraft on February 7, 2023. Those initial airframes were configured with 186 single-class seats to support the carrier’s network.
CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., operates globally from its Dublin headquarters. As of early 2025, the lessor reported a fleet of 521 owned and committed assets, with aircraft placed at 85 airlines across 40 countries.
Gavan Daly, Head of Commercial EMEA at CDB Aviation, noted the company’s satisfaction with the expanded agreement.
“We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Neos through the agreement to lease this additional 737-800 from CDB Aviation’s portfolio,” Daly said.
Photo Credit: CDB Aviation
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