In a signing with HH Sheik Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and CEO Alan Mulally valued at $2.96 billion, the United Arab Emirates placed four firm orders and nine options for the Boeing 777-300ER. The four orders will be delivered in 2006, while the nine options, covered by purchase rights, extend through 2012. The first set of aircraft to be delivered will be 364-passenger configurations, with 12 first class seats, 42 business class seats and 310 economy class seats. The configuration for the nine options has yet to be determined.
"The new extended-range version will provide the reliability and the extra capacity for passengers and cargo that we will need," said Sheik Ahmed.
The United Arab Emirates will receive the first of 26 Boeing 777s from
a lease agreement reached at the Paris Air Show last year. Currently
flying fleets of 777-200s and -300s, the United Arab Emirates is
one of three Boeing 777 customers to operate all four variants of
the commercial aircraft. Mulally went on to suggest that this is
"further evidence of its [United Arab Emirates'] commitment
to be one of the world-premier airlines."
