Emirates Airline has expanded its fleet with a new order for 15 additional Airbus A350-900 jets, in a deal worth a total of $6 billion. This move is in line with the airline's plans to serve new markets with long-haul flights, utilizing wide-body planes.
The announcement of the order was made at the Dubai Airshow, with Emirates now having a total A350 order book of 65 aircraft. The first A350 is expected to be added to the fleet in August of next year, and deliveries will continue until early 2028.
Emirates CEO, Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, stated that the airline intends to utilize the A350s for long-haul flights of up to 15 hours from Dubai, reaching new destinations. The focus will be on ensuring optimal operating efficiency and an enhanced flying experience for passengers, through close collaboration with Airbus and Rolls-Royce.
This recent order comes shortly after Emirates announced its intention to purchase 95 wide-body jets from Boeing, demonstrating the airline's commitment to expanding its long-haul fleet in response to growing global travel demand.
Emirates faces competition from other major carriers like Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways in the region, as they all strive to attract connecting passengers on various international routes to destinations such as North America, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
This latest development further solidifies Emirates Airline's position as a key player in the aviation industry, with a strategic focus on serving new markets and meeting the evolving needs of travelers worldwide.