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
ETF Airways Adds Fourth Boeing 737-800 to Its Fleet
Croatian ACMI operator ETF Airways inducts Boeing 737-800 9A-ICF, growing its fleet to five aircraft.
This is original reporting and analysis by AirPro News.
Croatian charter and ACMI operator ETF Airways has expanded its operational capacity with the induction of a Boeing 737-800, registered as 9A-ICF. The addition brings the carrier’s total fleet to five aircraft, supporting its growing footprint in the European wet-lease market.
The airline announced the fleet addition in early June 2026 through an official company statement. The aircraft represents the fourth Boeing 737-800 to join the Zagreb-based operator, which specializes in providing Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) services to partner airlines.
Aircraft history and specifications
The newly inducted Boeing 737-800, specifically a 737-8FZ variant, is powered by CFM International CFM56-7B26 engines and configured with 189 economy-class seats. According to fleet data from AvioRadar, the airframe holds Manufacturer Serial Number (MSN) 29659 and Line Number 3280.
Prior to joining ETF Airways, the aircraft operated for multiple carriers across Asia and Europe. Its operational history includes the following milestones:
- May 2010: Completed its first flight and was delivered to Shandong Airlines, registered as B-5531.
- September 2018: Transferred to South Korean low-cost carrier Eastar Jet, registered as HL8325.
- February 2026: Placed in storage under the Norwegian Air Shuttle Air Operator Certificate, registered as LN-NIK.
- June 2026: Officially entered service with ETF Airways as 9A-ICF.
In its announcement, ETF Airways highlighted the role of the new aircraft in maintaining operational reliability.
As our fleet continues to grow, so does our commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and exceptional service to our partners and passengers around the world.
Strategic growth and diversification
The arrival of 9A-ICF follows a period of strategic diversification for ETF Airways. In March 2026, the airline took delivery of its first turboprop aircraft, an ATR 72-600 registered as 9A-ATR. This marked a departure from its previously all-jet fleet, allowing the company to target regional market segments and short-haul ACMI contracts.
The fleet expansion aligns with broader infrastructure investments by the company. In late 2025, ETF Airways outlined plans to establish a dedicated maintenance base at Zadar Airport (ZAD) in Croatia, alongside the formation of independent maintenance and travel subsidiaries.
AirPro News analysis
We view ETF Airways’ dual-pronged fleet strategy as a calculated response to shifting demands in the European ACMI sector. By maintaining a core fleet of 189-seat Boeing 737-800s, the airline can seamlessly integrate into the summer schedules of major European leisure and low-cost carriers. Simultaneously, the recent introduction of the ATR 72-600 provides the flexibility to serve thinner regional routes where narrowbody jets are economically unviable. Securing mid-life 737-800s from the secondary market remains a cost-effective method for ACMI operators to scale capacity without the capital expenditure required for new-generation aircraft.
Sources: ETF Airways
Photo Credit: ETF Airways
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Azorra Completes Placement of 12 Ex-EGYPTAIR A220-300s
Azorra delivers final ex-EGYPTAIR A220-300 to Breeze Airways, with four airframes parted out to address PW1500G engine shortages.
Aircraft lessor Azorra has finalized the placement of 12 Airbus A220-300 aircraft formerly operated by EGYPTAIR, concluding a transaction that redistributes the narrowbody jets to new operators and dismantles select airframes to ease industry-wide supply chain constraints.
In a press release issued on June 10, 2026, Azorra confirmed the delivery of the final aircraft from the portfolio to Breeze Airways. The lessor initially purchased the 12 aircraft in February 2024 to facilitate the Egyptian flag carrier’s fleet transformation program.
Fleet redistribution and strategic part-outs
According to reporting by Air Data News, the 12 aircraft have been divided among three primary destinations. Breeze Airways received seven of the airframes, while Cyprus Airways took delivery of one.
The remaining four aircraft were allocated for a more unconventional purpose. In April 2025, Azorra entered an agreement with Delta Material Services to part out the four young airframes. Cirium Profiles data indicates this move was designed to supply critical components and spare Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines to support Delta Air Lines and its active A220 fleet.
Azorra Chief Executive Officer John Evans stated the transaction demonstrates the company’s ability to create innovative solutions across the aviation ecosystem.
“Beyond expanding our A220 portfolio, these aircraft are helping address critical spare engine and parts availability challenges while supporting operators around the world,” Evans said.
Evans also noted the collaboration of Airbus and Pratt & Whitney throughout the complex transaction process, reaffirming the lessor’s confidence in the A220’s economics and performance.
EGYPTAIR’s operational shift
The sale of the A220-300 fleet resolves ongoing operational challenges for EGYPTAIR. Aviation Week previously reported that the carrier had grounded portions of its A220 fleet due to durability issues and maintenance delays associated with the PW1500G engines.
By divesting the relatively young aircraft, EGYPTAIR aims to improve maintenance commonality and focus on other aircraft types within its network.
Capt. Ahmed Adel, Chairman & CEO of EGYPTAIR Holding Company, noted the transaction formed an important part of the airline’s fleet transformation strategy. He expressed confidence that the aircraft would continue to deliver strong value for their new operators.
AirPro News analysis
The decision to part out four young Airbus A220-300 airframes underscores the severity of the supply chain constraints currently impacting the global aviation industry. We view this as a highly pragmatic asset management strategy. While parting out early-life airframes is typically a last resort, the chronic shortage of spare PW1500G engines has altered the economic calculus for lessors and operators alike.
By sacrificing a portion of the ex-EGYPTAIR fleet, Azorra is enabling Delta Air Lines to keep a larger portion of its own A220 fleet operational. This transaction also solidifies Azorra’s position as a dominant player in the A220 market. The lessor currently has 28 A220s in service globally and another 15 on order, representing a significant portion of its 338-asset portfolio.
Sources: Azorra
Photo Credit: Azorra
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
ACG Extends $3.1 Billion Credit Facility to June 2030
Aviation Capital Group extends its $3.1B revolving credit facility to 2030, backed by 24 banks and a 121-aircraft 737 MAX backlog.
Aviation Capital Group (ACG) has secured long-term liquidity by extending the maturity of its $3.1 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility to June 2030.
Announced in a press release on June 10, 2026, the amendment and restatement of the facility was completed with JPMorgan Chase Bank acting as the administrative agent. The extension from its previous June 2028 maturity date provides the Newport Beach, California-based aircraft lessor with continued financial flexibility to fund new aircraft deliveries and support its global airline customer base.
Facility details and banking syndicate
The $3.1 billion facility is supported by commitments from 24 financial institutions. This core credit line is part of ACG’s broader liquidity strategy, which includes approximately $5.1 billion in total revolving commitments. Alongside the primary syndicate, ACG maintains a $1.5 billion line of credit provided by its parent company, Tokyo Century Corporation, and a separate $500 million revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders based in Asia.
Matthew Novell, Vice President of Capital Markets and Assistant Treasurer of ACG, stated that the extension reflects the strength of the company’s platform and the depth of its global banking relationships.
“This extension further enhances our liquidity and financial flexibility, enabling us to continue investing in our fleet, support our airline customers and execute on our growth objectives,” Novell said.
Fleet expansion and corporate restructuring
The extended credit facility arrives as ACG actively expands its portfolio, which stood at approximately 500 owned, managed, and committed aircraft as of March 31, 2026. The lessor currently places aircraft with roughly 90 Airlines across 50 countries. To support this fleet growth, ACG finalized an Orders for 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets on January 13, 2026, splitting the commitment evenly between the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Boeing 737 MAX 10 variants. This order increased the company’s total 737 MAX backlog to 121 aircraft.
Deliveries are ongoing, with ACG handing over its first of six new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to Royal Air Maroc on March 31, 2026. The lessor has also restructured its executive team to manage these manufacturer relationships, appointing Rob Downes to the newly created role of Chief Original Equipment OEMs Officer on April 16, 2026.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful extension of ACG’s $3.1 billion credit facility as a strong indicator of institutional confidence in the aircraft leasing sector. By pushing the maturity date to 2030, ACG insulates itself from near-term refinancing risks while securing the capital required to absorb its expanding Boeing 737 MAX order book. The backing of 24 financial institutions, combined with the $1.5 billion backstop from Tokyo Century, positions the lessor to capitalize on high global demand for narrowbody lift even as it navigates a transition period following the May 31, 2026, departure of Chief Financial Officer Craig Segor.
Sources: Aviation Capital Group
Photo Credit: Boeing
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