Emirates’ latest 777-300ER and the Dubai Airshow

Delivered just in time to show off at the Dubai Airshow, Emirates’ latest 777-300ER, A6-EGI (msn: 38986) rode the sunset out of Paine field and flew all night last Thursday directly to Dubai under the special flight delivery flight number UAE777. The shiny new plane’s arrival presaged this weekend’s activities, including flight demonstrations of all manner of aircraft, from fighter jets to the Airbus A380 to the Xi’an MA-600.

The biggest news of the show, however, revolved around Emirates and their order for 50 additional 777-300ERs, with 20 more options beyond that. The $18 Billion deal represents the largest single order ever for Boeing aircraft by dollar value and brings the 777 program to 182 orders for 2011, a record for the now 16-year-long history of the aircraft. Emirates’ huge 777 fleet alone accounts for almost 10% of total 777 production, which as of A6-EGI’s delivery last week numbered 974. The Dubai-based carrier is also the only operator of every type of 777.

This weekend, Cargo Facts observed yet another Emirates 777-300ER on the flight line at Paine Field (A6-EGJ), a plane which we’ll bring you two unique views of in the near future.

Photographer: Alex Kwanten