Emirates joins in 1000th B777 production celebration ahead of delivery
Emirates is to receive the one-thousandth Boeing 777. The aircraft rolled off the production line yesterday with a special ceremony involving more than 5,000 Boeing employees, customers and government officials.
The aircraft will be delivered to Dubai-based Emirates later this month.
“As the largest 777 customer, it's very appropriate that Emirates is the recipient of our milestone 1,000th 777,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Emirates has set an industry high bar in providing excellent customer service and we're honored that the 777 is central to its efforts to be an global airline leader."
Last year was the best year on record for 777 sales with 200 orders from 22 customers – topping the previous record of 154 set in 2005. Production is at an all-time high for the program and a 20 percent rate increase begins this fall, increasing from seven to 8.3 airplanes per month. The programme will begin building 100 airplanes per year beginning in 2013.
Analyst Saj Ahmad said: "Whether you look at this as a milestone for Emirates in taking the 102nd Boeing 777 or from the point of Boeing as they hand over their 1000th 777 delivery, it is without question a momentous occasion for the GCC's biggest airline.
"Emirates is unique in that it is the only airline to date to order and operate all six models in the 777 family and with the announcement at last winter's Dubai Air Show cementing a deal for 50 more 777-300ERs, the airplane has become the backbone of its regional and international operations.
"The 777-300ER has been stunningly popular since its launch in February 2000 and to date has amassed some 600 firm orders as at the end of 2011. In 2011 alone, the 777 family notched up 202 firm orders so demand for this airplane is well documented and it's little wonder Emirates ordered so many of them, not just to leverage the increased production rates of the 777 but also to augment its continued growth which has taken on a new dimension with new routes this year, particularly in North America.
"While Emirates has been synonymous with big orders such as its commitment with the A380, by far and away, the 777 has been instrumental in the airlines growth and profitability. The performance capability which allows it to be deployed on a slew of routes, long, medium and short haul, as well as being able to carry more freight than other passengers jets, Emirates is unlikely to move away from the 777 anytime soon.
"And with Boeing looking to launch the 777X later this year, Emirates is a key customer that will likely either be the launch customer for this new enhanced model or it will continue to order countless more of these jets as its plans to grow beyond its current footprint and focus on being the biggest and most profitable international, long haul airline," Ahmad said.