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One of the world's most iconic airlines, Dubai-based Emirates, is hitting back at Boeing's latest announcement that the beleaguered 777X programme may not have certification until the end of 2026, meaning deliveries will be delayed again until 2027. Emirates, which is set to be one of the biggest operators of the Boeing 777X airframe, has more than 200 of the extended 777 model on order, made up of 25 777-8 and 170 777-9. The airline was expecting its first delivery as early as 2020, however, continued delays may see the airline have to wait until Spring 2027. Delayed Again Emirates President, Tim Clark, noted in an article by Aviation Week, that he was 'miffed' at the latest announcement by American plane maker, Boeing, that the 777X timeline had been communicated to the media before coming to the airline directly with the news. Boeing noted that the 777X airframe will now need almost all of 2026 to work towards, and eventually receive certification for the airframe, which, as a result, will push planned first deliveries of the airframe into Spring 2027. These delays have played havoc with the Dubai-based carrier's fleet renewal programme, which has seen the redesign of its aging Airbus A380s, to support the carrier's long-haul network until these new planes arrive. Clark explained he had no clue of the delays, even following a recent meeting with Boeing in both New York and Seattle: “I was with them recently, in New York, and before that in Seattle. There was never any hint that they would make an official pronouncement that 2027 was to be the delivery year.” What Happens Now? Emirates, an airline that has transformed international aviation through its hub and spoke model at Dubai International Airport, has become synonymous with luxury flying and its ever-expanding network throughout the Middle East. The airline has quickly risen to become an airline of choice for those looking to travel between Europe and the United States, through to destinations such as Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania. Currently, the airline is the largest operator of the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER; however, these aircraft are starting to age. This has led to the carrier opting for a fleet renewal programme, which is built upon the success of the Airbus A350, Boeing 787, and somewhat the planned capabilities of the 777X. Emirates was one of the first airlines to order the 777X, initially announcing an agreement for 150 examples of the airframe at the 2013 Dubai Airshow. Little did the airlie know at the time that its production delays would last until almost the end of this decade. In the interim, Emirates has looked to retrofit its older Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300ER to ensure these aircraft are still delivering the high level of service and onboard comfort that the carrier is known for. Waiting Patiently For the Middle Eastern carrier, it had already frozen its interior design plans back in 2024, given that what it had considered is now out of date due to ongoing delivery delays. This came at the frustration of not just Emirates, but the suppliers who were to fabricate the seats, in-flight entertainment systems, galleys, and other onboard amenities, which had been part of the supply chain for the initial 777-9 design. While the airline remains optimistic for when the first 777-9 will be delivered, behind the scenes, Emirates is still pushing Boeing for an even longer-extended version of the 777X (dubbed the 777-10). This is primarily due to a high-capacity version as an A380 successor, and this could be up to 150 inches (380 centimeters) longer, and be able to sit up to five or six additional economy class rows.
