Dubai: Emirates Airline is considering converting its order for Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Boeing 777X jets as it reassesses fleet requirements amid ongoing delays to the 787 programme.Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer of Emirates, said the option of converting the order remains under consideration given the delays affecting the aircraft.Emirates currently has 35 Boeing 787s on order, comprising 20 Boeing 787-8s and 15 Boeing 787-10s.Speaking on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2026, Al Redha said the airline is reviewing its plans in light of delivery schedules and cabin outfitting requirements, particularly as it expects to begin receiving Boeing 777X aircraft from the middle of next year.He noted that the Airbus A350, which is already entering service with Emirates, offers seating capacity and range capabilities similar to those of the Boeing 787.“The option of converting to the 777X remains on the table,” Al Redha said.“Everything is possible and we will discuss everything in this regard with the manufacturer.”He added that Emirates has two options: proceed with deliveries of the Boeing 787 according to a revised schedule agreed with Boeing or convert the order to Boeing 777X aircraft.According to Al Redha, discussions between Emirates and Boeing regarding the 787 order are expected to become clearer within the next two months, after which the airline will decide on its preferred course of action.If Emirates proceeds with the 787 order, he said deliveries are not expected to begin before the end of 2029.The review comes as Emirates continues expanding and modernising its wide-body fleet through the delivery of Airbus A350 aircraft and the anticipated arrival of Boeing 777X jets as part of its long-term growth strategy.
