Why Emirates Has Still Not Received Its Boeing 787 Dreamliners: A Deep Dive Into UAE’s Evolving Fleet Strategy

Published on December 12, 2025

A major long-haul player such as Emirates has often been recognized for shaping how global travellers move through the skies, particularly through the United Arab Emirates. Yet, despite its rapid fleet expansion and continued growth at Dubai International Airport (DXB), one significant aircraft type has remained absent from the airline’s operations for years. The much-anticipated Boeing 787 Dreamliner, ordered with great enthusiasm and valued at nearly US$15 billion, has still not joined the fleet. The commitment, first announced in the late 2010s, had been positioned as a pivotal milestone expected to strengthen the airline’s mid-sized, fuel-efficient capability. However, not a single aircraft has been delivered to date.

This ongoing delay has raised global curiosity, especially within the aviation and tourism sectors that closely follow fleet developments as indicators of market confidence, route expansion, and passenger experience trends. While the United States-built Dreamliner has entered service for numerous carriers worldwide, its absence from Emirates’ fleet has created a noticeable gap between expectation and reality. At the same time, sister carrier Flydubai has surged ahead with its own Dreamliner ambitions. This contrast has fueled questions about long-term planning, delivery challenges, and how Emirates is redefining its future through the Airbus A350 within the broader landscape of UAE aviation.

A Travel Giant Still Without the Boeing 787

Emirates has long been viewed as a global aviation powerhouse from the United Arab Emirates, operating a large and diverse fleet exceeding 250 aircraft. This fleet continues to expand, backed by more than 375 additional jets on order from both Airbus and Boeing. Its well-known line-up features the Airbus A380, the Airbus A350, and an upcoming wave of Boeing 777X aircraft that are expected to reshape premium long-haul travel from Dubai.

Yet, despite years of anticipation, the Boeing 787 has remained missing from the ramps of DXB. The original commitment for 40 Dreamliners had been positioned as a strategic shift intended to fill a capacity niche between the A380 and the 777. At the time, the aircraft was expected to play a role in increasing route flexibility and supporting passenger demand across high-density tourism markets, particularly across Asia, Europe, and Oceania.

However, as of now, Emirates continues to list 35 Dreamliners on order, with none in active service. The absence has sparked ongoing interest among aviation observers, especially given how the Boeing 787 is widely regarded as one of the most fuel-efficient models serving long-haul tourism routes.

The 2017 Order and the Boeing 787-10 Vision

When the order was first announced in 2017 in the United States and UAE, the Boeing 787-10 was positioned as a compelling option tailored to mid-range and high-traffic travel corridors. Emirates envisioned aircraft that would carry between 240 and 330 passengers depending on cabin configuration, aligning perfectly with evolving tourism markets in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

Deliveries were initially planned for 2022, with expectations that the Dreamliner would support new city pairings and allow more efficient operations on medium-range routes where the A380 and 777 were considered too large. Travel analysts noted at the time that the Dreamliner’s composite structure and advanced cabin systems could elevate passenger comfort while reducing fuel burn, making it ideal for emerging tourism destinations.

However, the anticipated arrival never materialized.

The Order Shift to the Boeing 787-9

By 2019, Emirates reassessed its plans and restructured the Dreamliner order, opting for the Boeing 787-9 variant instead. This aircraft model offered greater operational versatility, longer range, and a seating capacity well suited to expanding tourism markets.

Under the revised plan, the first deliveries were expected by May 2023. Yet the global slowdown, overlapping supply chain disruptions, and shifts in airline fleet strategies collectively affected timelines across the sector. Even when adjustments were made, the Dreamliner still failed to reach Emirates.

Industry analysts observed that despite these challenges, other global airlines continued receiving their Dreamliners, which further intensified scrutiny around why Emirates remained without any deliveries. The airline has declined to share detailed reasons, maintaining a reserved stance on the matter.

Flydubai Surges Ahead With Its Own Dreamliner Ambitions

While Emirates has kept its Dreamliner plans inactive, fellow UAE carrier Flydubai made a landmark move at the 2023 Dubai Airshow. The airline placed an order for 30 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, signaling a major shift in its operational strategy and long-term ambitions.

Flydubai, traditionally centered on narrow-body routes, entered new territory with this expansion. The airline aims to introduce a three-class configuration that includes business class, premium economy, and economy seating, elevating its service offering for international travellers.

Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of 2027, setting the stage for Flydubai to open new long-haul routes including London, Bangkok, and potential Australian destinations. This development has positioned Flydubai as the UAE airline taking the Dreamliner spotlight, contrasting sharply with Emirates’ dormant program.

Emirates Turns to the Airbus A350 for Its Mid-Sized Future

While the Boeing 787 remains undelivered, Emirates has reoriented its mid-sized fleet strategy around the Airbus A350, a decision that is already reshaping the travel experience from the United Arab Emirates.

The A350 joined the fleet in early 2025, marking one of the most significant fleet updates for the airline in recent years. Emirates currently operates around a dozen A350s, with 60 more on the way. These aircraft have been deployed across key tourism markets where demand for premium comfort and fuel-efficient performance remains strong.

A major highlight of the A350 introduction is the unveiling of the S-Lounge business class seat, inspired by the Mercedes S Class. This next-generation cabin product is also being extended to the Airbus A380 fleet, reinforcing Emirates’ commitment to maintaining its position as one of the world’s premium travel carriers.

The absence of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Emirates’ fleet reflects a complex mix of shifting priorities, industry-wide disruptions, and evolving strategic plans within the UAE aviation landscape. With Flydubai moving forward and the Airbus A350 now firmly integrated into Emirates’ operations, the region’s travel future continues to evolve in new and unexpected ways. Whether the Dreamliner will finally touch down in Dubai remains a question that continues to attract global curiosity among travellers, analysts, and aviation enthusiasts.