Emirates Urges Boeing to Develop Larger 777X Jet Amid Delivery Delays

Emirates Airlines continues to urge Boeing to develop a bigger version of its 777X aircraft, according to the airline's president, Tim Clark. Speaking at the Dubai Airshow, Clark disclosed that delivery postponements have resulted in more than $6 billion in costs for the Dubai-based carrier.

Emirates, which operates a significant fleet of Airbus A380s nearing phase-out due to the model's discontinuation, is actively seeking a larger jet to succeed these giants. After placing an order for 65 new 777X planes, Clark emphasized the airline’s desire for Boeing to examine a "stretch" variant of the 777-9.

"We want to have a thorough examination of stretching the 777-9," Clark stated. "We expect Boeing to commit to exploring this and allow us to have meaningful input into its design."

While Boeing grapples with ongoing challenges—including delays that have pushed 777X delivery to 2027—Clark expressed determination to maintain pressure on the manufacturer. "They recognize the necessity, but are currently focused on existing priorities," he added.

Boeing has so far agreed only to conduct a feasibility study on a larger 777X model. Emirates, currently the largest buyer of the Boeing 777 family, now has 315 jets on order with Boeing following the latest $38 billion deal.

Clark quelled rumors that Emirates might pivot to Airbus’s A350-1000, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to Boeing’s new jet. He believes other airlines will also support a larger stretched 777X variant. "If Emirates pursues this, we won’t be alone; others will likely follow," he remarked.

The airline has absorbed more than $6 billion in retrofitting costs while awaiting the delayed Boeing deliveries. "While we don’t place all blame on Boeing, they understand the significant impact on our business," Clark noted. "The critical priority is to get these planes operational, beyond just the financial aspect."

On the same day, Boeing’s senior vice-president of sales and marketing, Brad McMullen, confirmed the company’s commitment to studying the development of a larger 777X. Emirates also announced that deliveries of the 777X are now expected to commence in the second quarter of 2027, though Clark remained cautiously optimistic, stating, "We’ll see."

The ongoing partnership between Emirates and Boeing remains central to the airline’s future fleet plans amidst industry-wide challenges and evolving market demands.