Emirates becomes largest Boeing 777 operator

Emirates' latest delivery boosts its fleet of Boeing 777s to 78

Emirates Airline has become the world’s largest airline operator of Boeing 777 aircraft with the arrival of its 78th Boeing 777 on July 30.

The Dubai-based airline has another 28 Boeing 777s pending delivery, worth more than US$7 billion at list prices.

In addition, it is the only airline to operate every model in the 777 family: -200s, -200ERs, -200LRs, -300s, -300ERs and freighters.

Emirates president Tim Clark said the airline was committed to operating a young and modern fleet.

““The 777s form the backbone of our fleet, and we have configured these aircraft to give us maximum flexibility in terms of route deployment. Emirates’ 777s today fly to six continents from our Dubai hub, operating routes within a two-hour distance to long-range journeys of 16 hours non-stop.
 
“The 777 is an excellent aircraft in terms of operating economics, and importantly, the new technologies incorporated within enable us to fit it out with the latest onboard systems and passenger amenities. Emirates is committed to maintaining a young and modern fleet, which enhances our passengers’ comfort and safety and also makes our aircraft some of the most environmentally-friendly in the skies.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes' vice president of sales for the Middle East, Central and South Asia Marty Bentrott added that Emirates’ investment in the 777 type had made a significant contribution to enhancing the global air transport industry.
 
“The 777 is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane and Emirates has contributed significantly to the programme’s success, both in becoming the now largest 777 airline customer and through its continued feedback on quality step improvements we’ve made to the airplane.

“With suppliers around the world contributing to and benefiting from 777 production, Emirates’ investment toward building the world’s largest Boeing 777 fleet has played a role in maintaining and strengthening the global aviation manufacturing industry,” Bentrott said.

Emirates recently completed an upgrading programme for its existing 777 fleet, and now all of its 777 aircraft has ICE, the airline’s on demand information, communication and entertainment system, which offers passengers in all cabin classes up to 1200 channels of the latest movies, TV programming, music and games.

The long-range models have also been equipped with new on-board products including private suites in first class, lie-flat massage seats in business class and ergonomically designed seats in economy class.