With over 350 orders, the Boeing 777X has found itself in the fleet plans of some of the world's biggest carriers. While the aircraft is yet to be certified, airlines are excited about the latest ultra-long-haul jet, with new cabins and features being added. Here's a look at the biggest 777X orders currently.

1 Emirates

Already the world's largest Boeing 777 operator, Dubai-based Emirates wants to continue this title once the 777X is available as well. The hub carrier has ordered 115 of the type, with no specified variant. However, the 777-9 is likely to make up a bulk of this order given its advanced approval status.

Notably, Emirates' order book for the 777X has actually shrunk in 10 years since it first ordered the type. Initially, it placed an order for 150 jets, which was steadily reduced to 115 as the Emirati carrier opted to add the 787 Dreamliner to its fleet as well. However, the last few years have proven frustrating for Emirates. Notably, Boeing still lists 156 orders in its official order book.

Emirates President Sir Tim Clark has been outspoken about the delays to the 777X program, which was set to make its first delivery in 2020. Instead, the timeline has slid back to 2025 due to COVID, testing setbacks, and more regulatory scrutiny. Clark has gone as far as threatening to cancel the order, although this action seems unlikely given the 777X's importance in the future fleet.

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2 Qatar Airways

Hot on the heels is Qatar Airways. The flag carrier has ordered 74 of the new Boeing widebodies, split into 50 777-9s and 24 777-8s. This makes it the second-largest customer currently and one that has the potential to keep growing in the future due to several reasons.

Given Qatar Airways' ongoing dispute with Airbus about the A350, the Doha-based carrier will be glad it has another high-capacity, long-haul aircraft in its arsenal in the next few years. As things stand, Qatar's A350 orders are canceled and the airline has been forced to bring its A380s out of retirement to maintain capacity on some routes.

However, this won't be the only 777X joining Qatar's fleet. The airline has signed a deal to be an early client of the 777-8 freighter, ordering 34 jets and adding options for 16 more in the future. With freight included, the order size goes up to 108 aircraft (122 with options).

3 Singapore Airlines

From here, the numbers fall quickly. Third on the list is Singapore Airlines, another long-time 777 customer. The carrier was one of the few to add to its 777X order during the pandemic and now has 31 firm orders with Boeing. Looking at SIA's existing 777 fleet of 28 aircraft, this order makes sense since it will allow a rapid modernization of the fleet. However, don't be surprised to see more orders in the future.

4 Lufthansa

The German flag carrier has been a popular name linked to the 777X due to its new business class cabin designs. While the new cabin will now be rolled out before the Boeing widebody, it remains the fourth-largest customer for the aircraft. In total, Lufthansa has placed orders for 20 777X passenger aircraft. In addition, the carrier added seven 777-8Fs to its order last year in a boost to the program.

Which airlines are you most excited to see fly the 777X? Let us know in the comments.

• 

  Boeing

  Stock Code:

  BA

  Date Founded:

  1916-07-15

  CEO:

  Dave Calhoun

  Headquarters Location:

  Chicago, USA

  Key Product Lines:

  Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787

  Business Type:

  Planemaker