What another 50 Emirates B777-300ERs means: some growth, replacement and competition for others

Emirates' purchase of 50 B777-300ERs, which at USD18 billion is the largest order by list value in Boeing's history, secures Emirates the capacity for its medium-term expansion plans and the ability to complement passenger-efficient A380s with cargo-efficient B777s. Half of the new 50 B777s can be estimated to continue replacement of older A330s, A340s and B777s. The remaining half will only open about 10 ultra-long-haul routes, so CEO Tim Clark is far from concluding long-term fleet shopping. Looming is an order in the next year or two of the next generation B777, the -8X and -9X, if Boeing can meet Emirates' specification.

With the revamped B777 possibly entering service by the end of the decade, the aircraft will offer Emirates further efficiency improvements as competitors try to level the field with A350s and B787s. As Emirates grows in efficiency, so too does its threat to airlines already feeling immense pressure.