Emirates Could Reject Boeing 777X Aircraft For Lack of Performance Data
Joe Cortez May 25, 2021
Emirates’ chief executive Tim Clark is publicly warning Boeing his carrier could refuse deliveries of the next-generation 777X airframe unless they meet performance goals. The leader of the airline notes they won’t take delivery unless “it is performing 100 percent to contract.”
After a series of public embarrassments for The Boeing Company, Emirates’ president Tim Clark is issuing an ultimatum to the Chicago-based aerospace giant. Reuters reports the leader of one of the “Middle East Three” says his airline may not accept deliveries of the Boeing 777X airframe unless it hits contractually stipulated performance goals.
“Unless it is doing what they said it would do…we will not take that aeroplane.”
The Boeing 777X celebrated its first flight on Jan. 25, 2020. Since then, the aircraft has gone through continual testing before sending deliveries to launch customers Lufthansa and Qatar Airways.
However, the president of Emirates is drawing a line in the sand, with the intention of holding Boeing accountable.
“We will not accept an aeroplane unless it is performing 100% to contract,” Cook said in a pre-recorded interview for the Arabian Travel Market trade show, as quoted by Reuters. “Unless it is doing what they said it would do and contracted, we will not take that aeroplane.”
The move comes after Boeing suffered through several public issues, calling their quality control into question. In addition to the fatal crashes of the Boeing 737 MAX, an engine exploded aboard a United Airlines 777 in February 2021. The situation caused some airlines, including Japan Air Lines, to permanently retire their Pratt & Whitney powered 777 aircraft.
Emirates currently has over 100 777X airframes on order, along with several 787 Dreamliners. In the interview, Cook expressed concern that his airline may not take delivery of their first 777X until 2024.
“There are issues on that airplane,” Clark said, as quoted by Reuters. “I’m not altogether clear as to when we’re going to get them.”
Despite Setbacks, Boeing Expects to Deliver First 777X in 2023
Although the issues with the 737 MAX and the COVID-19 pandemic caused Boeing to delay the certification of the 777X, the airline said in January 2021 they expect to make the first deliveries by late 2023. The company has not commented on Clark’s comments.
“We remain confident in the 777X and the unmatched capabilities and value it will offer our customers,” Boeing said in their January statement to employees.
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It's a prehistoric frame and the worst passenger experience of any modern day airliner. Why on earth any carrier is ordering this dud is beyond me. Bigger engines and folding wings don't make travel more comfortable Boeing. If I wanted to arrive deafened, dehydrated and jet lagged I'd fly the 747 767 or 777. Give me an A350, A380 or B787(only with GE engines) ANY day for long and ultra long haul travel!
The journalist wrote that having first flown in Jan 2020 B777x deliveries have been made to QR and LH .... is this true? Without certification .... ? Then later in the same article, it is quoted as deliveries will commence in late 2023 ..............
Excellent points.
Yet another nail in the coffin at BA. 100 aircraft most likely transferring to AB.frankly we should have purchased the AB tanker rather than sustain huge overruns and delays on the BA 767 frame version. Often wondered why it took so long on a frame thats been around as long as most flyers today!@ Sad that BA has tarnished the image of American aircraft production along with the FAA. We have lost our military superiority to China by most recent evaluations now this.