Dubai Air Show Opens With Multi-Billion Dollar Deals for Boeing
Dubai air show witnesses aviation resurgence with big-ticket orders
The Dubai Air Show commenced with a significant announcement by Emirates, the long-haul carrier, of a $52 billion purchase of aircraft from Boeing Co. This move underscores the aviation industry’s recovery following the coronavirus pandemic, despite regional security concerns stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Following Emirates’ announcement, its low-cost counterpart, FlyDubai, placed an $11 billion order for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This order represents FlyDubai’s first venture into wide-body aircraft, marking a new chapter for the airline.
The deals, revealed on the air show’s opening day, signify a strong start for Boeing Co. and indicate potential for more billion-dollar agreements. The purchase by Emirates, announced in the presence of Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, involves 90 Boeing 777 aircraft, including 55 777-9 variants and 35 777-8s.
Emirates’ CEO, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, emphasized the order’s support for numerous jobs in the global aviation supply chain, highlighting the 777’s central role in Emirates’ strategy.
Stan Deal, a Boeing executive vice president, lauded the agreements, acknowledging their significance for Emirates’ future.
The Dubai Air Show, taking place amid the Israel-Hamas war and Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, also features arms manufacturers. Despite security tensions, the focus remains on the thriving commercial aviation sector, signaling a robust rebound from the pandemic’s impact.
