Emirates: Fleet upgrade investments raised to $7B

Emirates aircraft

Emirates decided to increase the investment allocated to its fleet retrofit program from $5 billion (AED 18.35 billion) to $7 billion (AED 25.7 billion), Adel Al Redha, Chief Operations Officer, told Emarat Al Youm.

The number of aircraft undergoing retrofit would also increase, and the next phase will include changes to the design of both business and first class cabins.

He added Emirates is bracing for introducing its first Airbus A350 aircraft featuring the new fully electric premium economy seats into commercial service during the last week of September.

The airline has orders for 73 Airbus A350 aircraft and currently operates 27 of this type. Emirates is scheduled to take delivery of four additional jets before year-end and expects to receive between 14 and 15 new A350s annually in the future.

Regarding Boeing 777X aircraft, Al Redha expects the model to join the fleet between May and June 2027, adding that Emirates is ready to receive and operate the new aircraft.

He revealed that the option to convert Emirates' order from Boeing 787 Dreamliners to 777Xs remains on the table amid delays in 787 deliveries, clarifying the current order stands at 35 787s, including 20 787-8s and 15 787-10s.

Al Redha explained Emirates is discussing two options with Boeing regarding its order: either proceed with the scheduled delivery of 787 aircraft as per a mutually agreed timeline, or convert the order to 777X jets. He noted discussions are expected to become clearer between the two sides within the next two months.

If Emirates proceeds with taking delivery of the 787s, it is unlikely to receive deliveries before the end of 2029. The Airbus A350s currently operated by the carrier offer seat capacity and range features comparable to the Boeing 787, he added.

Separately, Al Redha said Emirates is working on updating several of its products and services, including its airport lounges. The airline has already started refurbishing its lounges in Frankfurt, Manchester, and Munich.

He also highlighted the airline's interest in the Airbus A350-1000, noting any order decision would depend on the compatibility of the upgraded engine with Emirates’ operating requirements.