Emirates may reject Boeing 777x: here's why

Currently Boeing is working on the 777x. An evolved version of the Boeing 777, with new GE9X engines, composite wings with folding winglets, wider fuselage and several improvements. The test flight, as a matter of fact, has already taken place. It was January 2020, and the new aircraft lifted off from Everett and landed in Seattle.

However in recent hours Emirates, which of Boeing 777x ordered 126, warned the company, "We will not accept an aircraft that does not meet the contract at 100%." warned Tim Clark, who has served as president of Emirates since 2003. But let's see together what's going on.

Boeing 777x, doubts and delays

What is the problem with the Boeing 777x? Tim Clark stated. Not having received any details so far on the performance of the engines, although test flights began in 2020. This is no small detail, considering how Boeing has recently made really overpromises on its new jets (starting with the 737 MAX and the 787 Dreamliner). But, as Clarks let it be known, Emirates is not willing to put in aircraft whose exact performance it does not know.

Boeing, at this time, has not commented on the matter. But it is certainly paying close attention to what Clark said. If only because of the power the Dubai-based carrier possesses. Emirates is one of the world's largest long-haul airlines, with a fleet of 140 Boeing 777-300 e 115 Airbus A380. It has ordered 126 777x and 30 787s worth more than $ 50 billion. Aircraft, the 777x, which are expected to be delivered to the end of 2023 (three years later than expected). Emirates had expected to receive the first ones by July 2021 but, now, is even looking at 2024. "There are problems on that aircraft. It's not clear when we will receive them," Clark said. And one can hardly take the risk of a new affair 737 Max (between accidents and electrical problems). Here then, at least on the part of Emirates, the ideas are clear: the purchase of the Boeing 777x will be finalized only if and when it has been tested and certified.

The future of Emirates

Boeing 777x aside, what is in the future of Emirates? The forecast is optimistic. The airline plans to Return to 70% of its pre-Covid capacity by winter 2021. With a 100% in early 2022. At least, that's what Emirates chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim said during an interview with Sole 24 Ore.

For that matter, Emirates has never stopped completely. Even in the midst of the pandemic, Dubai decided to keep its borders open to many tourists and businessmen, putting in place very strict (and reassuring) health protocols right from the start. Now, after guaranteeing its passengers the insurance coverage, is preparing to launch Covid-free flights between Italy and the United Arab Emirates. Especially since, the health situation in the Emirate, is definitely good: over 80% of the population is vaccinated, and the latest restrictions have been relaxed. Reason why Dubai is among the most popular travel destinations. Although, from Italy, tourism is still not allowed.