DUBAI- Emirates Airline (EK) is weighing a major shift in its long-term fleet plan as ongoing delays with the Boeing 777X push the airline toward a sizeable Airbus A350-1000 order. The potential deal would bring a new widebody type into Dubai International Airport (DXB) despite years of public criticism from the carrier’s leadership.
The airline’s interest in at least 30 A350-1000s signals a practical response to stalled 777X certification, which continues to limit Emirates’ ability to replace aging aircraft and support future growth.
Photo: Clément Alloing
Why Emirates Is Reconsidering A350-1000 Order?
Emirates built its reputation on a simple long-haul fleet made up of the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777. The retirement of the A380 line and the prolonged grounding of the 777X program have forced the airline to diversify, leading to confirmed orders for the A350-900 and the Boeing 787. The next step, based on reports of advanced negotiations, is a larger commitment to the A350-1000.
The airline’s leadership has historically challenged the A350-1000’s suitability for Gulf operations, especially due to concerns about Rolls-Royce engine durability, OMAAT flagged.
Despite that, industry pressure to secure future widebody capacity appears to outweigh earlier objections. A final announcement is expected soon, with the Dubai Airshow viewed as the likely stage.
Photo: Eurospot
Engine Concerns That Shaped Earlier Decisions
Emirates President Tim Clark once described the A350-1000’s engines as defective, pointing to short maintenance intervals and reduced performance in high-temperature environments typical of the Middle East. These issues contributed to the airline’s reluctance to place an order in past years.
The airline’s regional peers, Qatar Airways (QR) and Etihad Airways (EY), both operate the type, though their experiences show the engine limitations are real.
Rolls-Royce is investing heavily to improve durability, including extensive sand-ingestion testing meant to replicate Gulf conditions. The results are promising but not yet proven at scale.
Photo: Clément Alloing
Boeing 777X Delays Driving Change
Emirates maintains the largest 777X order book, with 205 aircraft on the books. The jet was originally expected to enter service in 2020, yet current projections point to 2027 at the earliest.
Each revised timeline places further strain on Emirates’ future schedule planning and replacement cycles.
Without certainty around the 777X, the airline needs an immediate and reliable widebody option. The A350-1000, despite earlier criticism, aligns with current operational needs and supports the growth Emirates wants at DXB.
Emirates Airbus A350 | Photo: Clément Alloing
What This Means For Emirates’ Fleet Strategy
The possible A350-1000 order would complement the A350-900 fleet that has already begun entering service. It would also ease dependence on a single manufacturer during a period of program instability across the industry.
If finalized, the deal would highlight a broader concern shared by many global airlines: limited aircraft choices, long delays, and technical challenges that leave carriers selecting the most viable option rather than the ideal one.
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