Emirates Bashes Boeing Over New 777X Delays

DALLAS — Emirates (EK), a Major Boeing wide-body aircraft client, has announced that it will engage in "meaningful discussions" with the US planemaker in the months ahead in response to the latest delay of the 777X model.

In a statement, EK President Sir Tim Clark stated that his airline "has had to make significant and highly expensive amendments to our fleet programmes as a result of Boeing’s multiple contractual shortfalls.” He also stated that, given Boeing's current circumstances, he couldn't see how Boeing could "make any meaningful forecasts of delivery dates."

Mr. Clark has held the position of President since 2003. During his tenure, He has spearheaded EK’s growth into the world’s largest international airline serving 130 cities on six continents via its hub in Dubai.

A Bloomberg report reminds us that the EK fleet is built around the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A380 double-decker, the latter which is no longer in production. As a result, the airline president has been compelled to conduct an extensive and costly retrofit program on current jets to extend their lifespan.

Airlines with Boeing 777X Orders 

Several major airlines are currently waiting for deliveries of the new Boeing 777X:

1. Emirates - 205 aircraft (170 777-9 and 35 777-8)
2. Qatar Airways - 74 aircraft (70 777-9 and 4 777-8F)
3. Singapore Airlines - 31 aircraft (all 777-9)
4. Lufthansa - 27 aircraft (20 777-9 and 7 777-8F)
5. Etihad Airways - 25 aircraft (17 777-9 and 8 777-8)
6. Cathay Pacific - 21 aircraft (all 777-9)
7. All Nippon Airways (ANA) - 20 aircraft (18 777-9)
8. Korean Air - 20 aircraft (all 777-9)
9. British Airways - 18 aircraft (all 777-9)
10. Air India - 10 aircraft (all 777-9)
11. Cargolux - 10 aircraft (all 777-8F)
12. Ethiopian Airlines - 8 aircraft (all 777-9)
13. Silk Way West Airlines - 2 aircraft (all 777-8F)

Additionally, there are 12 orders from unidentified customers.

A History of Delivery Delays

The Boeing 777X program has faced significant delays. Initially scheduled for delivery in 2020, Boeing announced last week that the first 777X deliveries will not occur until at least 2026. 

This represents a delay of at least six years from the original timeline, causing considerable disruption to the fleet plans of the airlines awaiting these aircraft.