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The order, with a value of $18 billion, makes
this the single largest commercial airplane order
in Boeing's history by dollar value. It also makes
2011 the best-selling year for the 777 program,
surpassing the previous record of 154 orders set
in 2005. With the Emirates order, the 2011 net
order book for the 777 currently stands at 182.
The options for 20 additional airplanes is valued
at $8 billion.
"The 777's reliability, performance and
operating economics have firmly established it
as the backbone of our fleet," said His Highness
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and
chief executive, Emirates Airline & Group.
"We have an ambitious and strategic plan
to continue growing our international network
and especially increasing our long-haul, non-stop
routes. This order supports our fleet expansion
and reiterates our commitment to operating a modern
fleet for the benefit of our passengers and to
ensure operational efficiency as well."
Emirates is the world's largest 777 operator
with a fleet of 94 777s through direct purchase
and lease, plus additional unfilled orders on
backlog for 41 777-300ERs previously on order.
It is also the only airline in the world to operate
every model in the Boeing 777 family, including
the 777 Freighter.
Airline sources told India Strategic that the
airline, already the second biggest in the world,
is likely to announce some more important deals.
Emirates took delivery of its first Boeing 777
– a 777-200 in 1996, and since then, the
airline has deployed the 777 on short, medium
and long-haul routes.
"This is an extremely proud moment for us
as it not only underscores Emirates' ongoing confidence
in the 777 but also makes this the single largest
order by dollar value in Boeing's history,"
said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing
Commercial Airplanes. "As the largest operator
of the 777 in the world, Emirates has played an
important role in development of the airplane
and its input over the years has been invaluable
in the development of the 777 program."
The Boeing 777 is the world's most successful
twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER
extends the 777 family's span of capabilities,
bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability
to the long-range market. The airplane carries
365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685
km).
Boeing incorporated several performance enhancements
for the 777-300ER, extending its range and payload
capabilities. Excellent performance during flight
testing, combined with engine efficiency improvements
and design changes that reduce drag and airplane
weight, contributed to the increased capability.
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