Boeing bags $9.7 bn deal from Emirates Airline

The order consists of 24 Boeing 777-300ERs, 10 777-200LR Worldliners and eight 777 Freighters, with the first aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2007. In addition, Emirates will have purchase rights for 20 more 777 aircraft.

The announcement was made by Emirates' chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum and Jim McNerney, chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Boeing company, on the opening day of the 9th International Aerospace Exhibition, Dubai 2005.

Sheikh Ahmed and General Electric's vice chairman David L Calhoun, also signed the agreement to purchase GE90-115B jet engines, the world's most powerful engines, for all the Boeing 777s included in this order by Emirates.

The agreement, valued at $2 billion, includes a 12-year service agreement with GE for maintenance and overhaul.

"We are investing in more new aircraft to meet the escalating demand for Emirates' services from our customers across the globe. This new order will support the airline's growth plans and enhance our fleet's range and versatility," Sheikh Ahmed said.