Dubai Airshow opens with Emirates’ $38 billion Boeing order

Emirates set the tone on Day 1 of the Dubai Airshow with a $38 billion order for 65 Boeing 777-9s, offering the aircraft giant a timely reprieve as it works to steady the long-delayed 777X program.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline group, said at a press conference on Monday that the order is a “massive long-term commitment” to U.S. aerospace manufacturing.

The airline will also roll out SpaceX’s Starlink across its fleet, with the first flight to offer the boosted Wi-Fi service on Nov. 23.

Despite Boeing’s early lead, the bulk of the orders from one of the world’s biggest airshows is expected to be won by Airbus.

The European planemaker is closing in on a deal to supply about 100 A321neos to Flydubai, a shift that would challenge Boeing’s long-standing dominance at the low-cost carrier.