DUBAI- Emirates (EK) continues to expand its global footprint from its base at Dubai International Airport (DXB), yet one aircraft type remains notably absent from its fleet. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, despite a multibillion-dollar commitment, has never arrived at DXB.
Flydubai (FZ), operating from the same DXB hub, has now stepped into the spotlight by securing its own Boeing 787-9 order, creating a sharp contrast to Emirates’ stalled Dreamliner plans.
Emirates Still Has No Boeing 787s
Emirates is one of the largest international carriers, operating more than 250 aircraft, with more than 375 additional jets on order from Airbus and Boeing. Its fleet includes the Airbus A380, the Airbus A350, and the upcoming Boeing 777X.
The Boeing 787, however, remains missing despite a headline announcement in 2017 for 40 Dreamliners worth US$15 billion.
The original 2017 order centered on the Boeing 787-10. At the time, Emirates described the aircraft as a strategic addition meant to complement both the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380. The jets were planned to carry between 240 and 330 passengers, depending on configuration, with deliveries beginning in 2022.
In 2019, Emirates reworked the order and switched to the Boeing 787-9 variant, with initial deliveries slated for May 2023. The global slowdown and shifting fleet plans followed, but even with those factors considered, not a single 787 has been delivered.
Emirates’ current fleet data still lists 35 Dreamliners on order and zero in service. The airline has declined to comment on the status of the program, Business Traveller reported.
Flydubai Steps In With Its Own Dreamliner Plan
While Emirates remains quiet, Flydubai (FZ) moved forward at the 2023 Dubai Airshow with an order for 30 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The order mirrors Emirates’ earlier plan and marks a major shift in Flydubai’s long-term strategy.
Flydubai aims to introduce a three-class cabin layout featuring business class, premium economy, and economy.
Deliveries are expected to begin by late 2027. According to CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith, the Dreamliner will allow the airline to reach new long-haul destinations such as London, Bangkok, and potential routes to Australia.
Emirates Turns Its Focus to the Airbus A350
While the Dreamliner remains idle on the order sheet, Emirates has leaned into the Airbus A350 as its mid-sized aircraft solution.
The airline introduced the A350 to its fleet in early 2025 and now operates a dozen of them, with 60 more scheduled for delivery.
The A350 also debuts Emirates’ new S-Lounge business class seat, inspired by the Mercedes S Class. This product is now being rolled out to the Airbus A380 as part of the carrier’s ongoing cabin evolution.
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