Emirates is weighing whether to convert its order for 35 Boeing 787 Dreamliners into additional Boeing 777X aircraft, a move that would deepen the airline’s commitment to Boeing’s delayed widebody programme. The Dubai carrier is reviewing the 20 787-8s and 15 787-10s alongside its expected 777X deliveries, with clarity on the decision expected within two months.
Emirates COO Adel Al Redha left open both paths on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai: take the Dreamliners on a revised delivery schedule or switch the order to more 777Xs. If the airline keeps the 787 deal, deliveries are not expected before the end of 2029. Emirates is meanwhile anticipating 777X handovers from around mid-2027, a timeline that appears to be driving the reassessment.
The airline has also pointed to the Airbus A350 as another aircraft with range and seating characteristics similar to the 787. Any conversion would further tilt future widebody demand toward the 777X at a time when Emirates remains one of Boeing’s most important long-haul customers and continues to reshape its fleet around the eventual retirement of the A380.