Boeing had a strong start to the Dubai Airshow with an announcement that it has sold 40 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners to Emirates in a deal that could be worth $15.1bn at current list prices.
The 787-10 is the largest member of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner family. More than 65 customers have ordered more than 1,275 Dreamliners and Emirates' purchase pushes the total number of new 787 orders and commitments this year to more than 180 with more than 210 orders and commitments for the 787-10 overall.
"We are excited that Emirates has selected the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner to power its fleet expansion and future growth. This is an airplane that will set a new benchmark for operating economics in the commercial aviation industry when it enters service next year," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister. "Emirates' endorsement of the 787 Dreamliner extends our long-standing partnership and will sustain many jobs in the United States."
This deal is a big coup for Boeing and a major blow for Airbus. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktoum, the Chairman of Emirates, said that the company has plumped for the aircraft over the Airbus A350.
It remains to be seen whether the Sheikh will announce a deal for Airbus 380 which might be a lifeline for the beleaguered aircraft that has experienced very slow demand. Rumour has it that Emirates will order about 36 A380s with a total list price of $15.7bn and swell the order book to 170. The negotiations are about more than just price; Emirates wants an ongoing commitment from Airbus to the A380 programme which might prove to be a major stumbling block to get the deal over the line.