Emirates Orders 50 Boeing 777-300ERs

Boeing and Emirates Airline announced an order for 50 of the twin-aisle 777-300ER (extended range) aircraft, with an option for an additional 20.  The deal is the largest single airplane order in Boeing’s history and is valued at $18 billion.

Emirates took delivery of its first Boeing 777 in 1996 and has since become the world’s largest operator of 777s, with 94 in its current fleet.  Boeing has sold 182 777 aircraft this year, a record for this type.  Emirates’ 777-300ERs will carry 365 passengers with a range of up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km).

The 777 is the largest twin-jet aircraft in the world and is commonly referred to as the “Triple Seven.”  The original 777-200 entered service in 1995 and United Airlines was the launch customer.

Jim Albaugh, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said that the deal “underscores Emirates’ ongoing confidence in the 777” and noted that the airline “has played an important role in [its] development.”