The Hindu Business Line : Boeing bags $9.7-b order from Emirates

The airline announced firm orders for 42 Boeing 777 aircraft, to be powered by GE90 jet engines, in a deal worth Dhs 35.7 billion ($9.7 billion) at list prices. This is said to be the largest-ever order for the Boeing 777 family of aircraft and consists of: 24 Boeing 777-300ERs, 10 777-200LR Worldliners and eight 777 Freighters, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2007. In addition, Emirates will have purchase rights for 20 more 777 aircraft.

The announcement was made by Emirates' Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum and Mr Jim McNerney, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Boeing Company, on the opening day of Dubai 2005 — the 9th International Aerospace Exhibition.

Sheikh Ahmed and General Electric's Vice-Chairman, Mr David L. Calhoun, also signed the agreement to purchase GE90-115B jet engines, the world's most powerful engines, for all the Boeing 777s included in this order by Emirates. The agreement, valued at $2 billion, includes a 12-year service agreement with GE for maintenance and overhaul.

The new deal boosts Emirates' current aircraft order book to 132, with a total value of $37.4 billion, and adds to the airline's 23 Boeing 777-300ERs; 45 A380s; 20 A340-600s; and two A310Fs pending delivery.

Sheikh Ahmed said: "We are investing in more new aircraft to meet the escalating demand for Emirates' services from our customers across the globe. This new order will support the airline's growth plans, and enhance our fleet's range and versatility."

Emirates intends to use the 777 to extend and strengthen its routes to key cities in Europe and Asia, and operate to new markets. The 777-200LR will allow Emirates to explore new destinations including non-stop flights to cities on the US West Coast. Sheikh Ahmed added: "Global air travel demand has been resilient, with particularly strong growth in the West Asia region and Asia, where burgeoning economies have led to vigorous trade and tourism exchanges."

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