21 November 2005

DUBAI -- Surpassing even the most optimistic industry forecasts, Emirates airline yesterday announced orders for 42 long-haul, twin-engine Boeing 777 aircraft to be powered by GE90 jet engines in a deal worth Dh35.7 billion at the Dubai Air Show.

In addition, Emirates will have purchase rights for 20 more 777 aircraft.

Announcing the largest-ever order for the Boeing 777 family of aircraft at the 9th International Aerospace Exhibition, which was inaugurated yesterday by General Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, Emirates chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the new order will support the airline's aggressive growth plans and enhance its fleet's range and versatility.

The new order, one the largest deals in aviation history and the second mega order placed by Emirates in a couple of years, consists of 24 Boeing 777-300ERs, 10 777-200LR Worldliners and eight 777 Freighters, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2007.

Emirates had placed the biggest order in civil aviation history worth $19 billion for 45 Airbus A380-800s.

This new deal boosts current aircraft order book of Emirates 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.

With this new order, Boeing which is on a strong recovery course by winning the most aircraft orders this year, far outpaces its European rival Airbus for the first time in three years. Boeing also scored recently with $4 billion worth of orders from China for 70 737 single-aisle jets.

Joining Shaikh Ahmed in announcing the deal in the presence of General Shaikh Mohammed was Jim McNerney, chairman, president and CEO of The Boeing Company.

Shaikh Ahmed and General Electric's vice-chairman 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 is valued at $2 billion.

Emirates intends to use the 777 to extend and strengthen its routes to key cities in Europe and Asia, and operate to new destinations. The 777-200LR, which recently broke the world distance record for a commercial airliner, will allow Emirates to explore new destinations including non-stop flights to cities on the US West Coast.

Shaikh Ahmed added: "Global air travel demand has been resilient, with particularly strong growth in the Middle East region and Asia, where burgeoning economies have led to vigorous trade and tourism exchanges. "

Stressing that in choosing 777s, Emirates was looking at the efficiency and suitability of the aircraft for its future growth plan, Shaikh Ahmed said: "We have had very positive results from the 777s in our present fleet, and we look forward to receiving these new aircraft. Emirates remains committed to contributing to Dubai's development as the world's aviation hub of choice by providing world-class air travel services via our Dubai base."

Alan Mulally, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer said: "We are very happy that Emirates has decided to use the entire 777 family as a cornerstone for its fleet operations, and we are excited to witness how the airline will benefit from the superior economics of the 777. It's an honour that Emirates has once again chosen the 777."

After officially declaring open Dubai 2005, General Shaikh Mohammed toured the static park calling at the Boeing 777 and the new superjumbo A380.     Accompanying Shaikh Mohammed during the tour were Oman's Minister of Defence Badr bin Saud bin Hareb Al Bosaeedi;  Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces Lieutenant General Fahad Al Amir and Swedish Air Force chief Major General Jan Andersson who is visiting the show to support the Middle East debut of the Gripen first, next-generation jet fighter which is appearing in the Dubai 2005 daily flying display.

Dubai 2005 features 726 exhibitors from 46 countries, 15 national pavilions, an expanded official delegations programme representing 88 countries and over 100 aircraft on display including around 40 business jets.

BY ISAAC JOHN

© Khaleej Times 2005