Imagine investing a whopping $15 billion, only to see nothing come of it. That's the head-scratching situation Emirates, a global aviation giant, finds itself in regarding the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Despite placing a massive order back in 2018, these sleek jets have yet to grace the runways of Dubai International Airport (DXB), their intended home base.
Emirates, known for its expansive global network and fleet of over 250 aircraft, including the iconic Airbus A380 and the upcoming Boeing 777X, seems to be missing a key piece of the puzzle. While the airline has over 375 additional jets on order from Airbus and Boeing, the Dreamliner remains conspicuously absent.
So, what's the story?
Back in 2017, Emirates made a splash with an order for 40 Dreamliners, a deal valued at a staggering $15 billion. Initially, the plan was to acquire the Boeing 787-10 variant, positioning these aircraft as strategic additions to complement both the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380. These jets were designed to carry between 240 and 330 passengers, depending on the configuration, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2022.
However, the plot thickened in 2019 when Emirates revised its order, opting for the Boeing 787-9 variant instead. Initial delivery dates were then pushed to May 2023. Despite these adjustments and the global shifts in the aviation industry, not a single 787 has been delivered.
Currently, Emirates' fleet data still indicates 35 Dreamliners on order, but none in service. The airline has remained tight-lipped about the program's status, leaving many aviation enthusiasts and industry watchers wondering what's next.
Flydubai Takes Flight
In a surprising twist, while Emirates remains in a holding pattern, its sister airline, Flydubai (FZ), has taken a different approach. At the 2023 Dubai Airshow, Flydubai placed an order for 30 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. This move signifies a significant shift in Flydubai's long-term strategy, mirroring Emirates' earlier intentions. Flydubai plans to introduce a three-class cabin layout, including business class, premium economy, and economy. Deliveries are expected to begin by late 2027. According to CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith, the Dreamliner will enable Flydubai to reach new long-haul destinations, such as London, Bangkok, and potentially routes to Australia.
Emirates' Shift to the Airbus A350
With the Dreamliner saga unresolved, Emirates has turned its focus to the Airbus A350 as its mid-sized aircraft solution. The airline introduced the A350 to its fleet in early 2025 and currently operates a dozen of them, with 60 more on the delivery schedule. The A350 also features Emirates' new S-Lounge business class seat, inspired by the Mercedes S Class. This premium product is now being rolled out to the Airbus A380 as part of the carrier’s ongoing cabin evolution.
The Big Question: What do you think is behind the delay? Do you think Emirates will ever take delivery of the Dreamliners? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
