Emirates Pushes Boeing for Larger 777X Jet Amid Delivery Delays

Emirates Airline is intensifying its demands on Boeing to produce a larger version of the 777X jet, following substantial delivery delays that have cost the Dubai-based carrier more than $6 billion, according to Emirates president Tim Clark.

Speaking at the Dubai Airshow, Clark emphasized the airline’s need for a bigger aircraft to replace its Airbus A380s, which are being phased out as their production ended years ago. The airline recently placed an order for 65 additional Boeing 777X jets, underscoring its commitment to the program despite repeated postponements.

"We want to have a good, hard look at the stretch of the 777-9," Clark stated, adding that Emirates wants to collaborate closely in the design process. "We want them to commit to looking at it, and we want to have a real say in how that is designed. We will keep the pressure on."

The 777X series, which includes the 777-8 and 777-9 variants, has experienced a delay of seven years, with deliveries now scheduled to begin in 2027. Boeing has so far only agreed to a feasibility study regarding the development of a stretched model.

Clark dismissed rumors of Emirates considering orders for the Airbus A350-1000, reaffirming confidence that other airlines would also be interested in a larger 777X. "If you do this, we will not be alone. There be others out there who will want to take the stretch," he noted.

The costs associated with retrofitting existing aircraft during the prolonged wait have amounted to "just over $6 billion in cash," Clark revealed. While he did not attribute the financial impact directly to Boeing, he acknowledged the manufacturer’s awareness of the challenges faced by Emirates’ operational model.

"They’re accommodating and understand the problems," Clark remarked. "The most important thing for us is not the cash, it’s getting the aeroplane up and flying."

Boeing’s senior vice-president of sales and marketing, Brad McMullen, confirmed the company’s commitment to studying the potential for a larger 777X model. Meanwhile, Emirates announced that deliveries of the 777X jet are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2027, though Clark remained cautiously optimistic about this timeline, saying, "We’ll see."

As Emirates continues to rely heavily on Boeing aircraft, with 315 jets pending delivery after the latest order, the airline remains keen to see tangible progress on a larger 777X variant to meet future capacity needs.