Inaugurating the Dubai air show 2011, Dubai-based Emirates Airline, already the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777s, announced an an order for another 50 777-300ER aircraft with an option for a further 20 more.
The order, with a value of $18 billion, makes this the single largest commercial airplane order in Boeing’s history by dollar value. It also makes 2011 the best-selling year for the 777 program, surpassing the previous record of 154 orders set in 2005. With the Emirates order, the 2011 net order book for the 777 currently stands at 182. The options for 20 additional airplanes is valued at $8 billion.
Emirates has a fleet of 94 777s, and a further 41 on order. Having taken delivery of its first 777 in 1996, Emirates is also the only airline in the world to operate every model in the Boeing 777 family, including the 777 Freighter.
The management of the airline is often credited with making Boeing incorporate several performance enhancements on the 777, especially the 777-300ER, extending its range and payload capabilities.
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