Emirates is aiming to receive its first Boeing 777X wide-body aircraft in late 2027 following multiple years of delays in the manufacturing program, Emirates 24|7 reported. The airline is currently holding discussions with Boeing to increase the number of aircraft allocated in the initial delivery batch.
Speaking at a press conference in Berlin on Tuesday, Emirates President Sir Tim Clark said the airline is awaiting the aircraft's commercial entry into service alongside other global carriers, including Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines. According to Reuters, Emirates is negotiating to receive between three and five aircraft in 2027, with the potential to take delivery of up to ten aircraft the following year.
The carrier initially expected deliveries to begin in 2020, but the timeline was repeatedly pushed back due to technical certification and development challenges at Boeing. In response to the delays, Emirates has continued to operate and modernise its existing fleet.
Emirates remains the largest customer for the 777X program, with total orders for approximately 270 aircraft across the family, comprising both 777-9 and 777-8 passenger variants. The airline previously stated it would not accept early production units built before necessary design and manufacturing modifications were finalised.
The entry into service of the 777X is a key element of Emirates' long-term fleet replacement and expansion strategy. The airline's future considerations also include a potential stretched version to provide additional seating capacity on long-haul routes.
Sources
- Emirates 24|7 · 2026-11-10
