Why did Emirates just boost its Airbus A350 commitment to 73 jets?

The global aviation order book saw a significant increase. Emirates placed an order for eight additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

This announcement was made at the Dubai Airshow 2025 announcement. The new deal is valued at $3.4 billion at list prices. This decision strongly reinforces the airline's Emirates fleet modernization program.

Expanding the Widebody Fleet

The top-up order increases the Emirates total A350 commitment. The airline's total commitment for the A350-900 now stands at 73 aircraft. Emirates has already received 13 of these long-range wide-body jet aircraft. The newly ordered additional Airbus A350 aircraft are expected for delivery in 2031.

These modern aircraft are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB84 engines. The A350 is a key part of the carrier’s strategy. It aims to replace older aircraft and expand capacity on new routes.

Strategic Context and Industry Impact

The latest Emirates Airbus A350 order was part of a major investment week. Earlier in the airshow, Emirates confirmed a large order for 65 additional Boeing 777-9 jets. Combined, these widebody aircraft investment commitments totaled $41.4 billion at list prices. This demonstrates Emirates' confidence in future long-haul travel demand.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Group Chairman and CEO, noted the A350's importance. He stated the aircraft's entry into service provided welcome additional capacity. It also enabled the introduction of the popular Premium Economy seats to more customers.

• The A350-900 is a highly fuel-efficient aircraft.
• Its efficiency is crucial for the airline's long-term operating costs.
• The order supports thousands of jobs across the European supply chain.

This substantial order solidifies Emirates' position. It remains a dominant force in the global aviation order book. The carrier is focused on operating only the newest, largest widebody aircraft. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.