Emirates is banking on receiving its long-awaited Boeing 777X widebody jets by the end of next year, following a series of frustrating setbacks for the aerospace giant. Tim Clark, the president of the Dubai-based airline, noted that while the delivery timeline remains somewhat fluid, the carrier anticipates between three and five aircraft in 2025, with an eye toward potentially ten more the following year. Clark openly admitted that both the airline and Boeing are operating with a level of uncertainty regarding the exact schedule, as the project has been hampered by prolonged certification processes.

To manage potential risks, Emirates is carefully weighing its fleet strategy, including its order for 35 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which could serve as a backup if 777X delays persist. Clark also signaled a desire for Airbus to develop a larger version of their A350, specifically a stretched "A350-2000" variant, emphasizing the airline's need for higher-capacity aircraft. With a substantial backlog of 270 units of the 777X series on order, Emirates remains in a critical position to influence Boeing’s production output as they continue to evaluate their options for fleet expansion.