Dubai-based Emirates placed an order with Boeing for an additional 30 B777-300ER aircraft, worth approximately US$9.1 billion at list prices. The new order adds to the fleet of 71 777-300ERs previously ordered, of which 53 aircraft are currently in service. The aircraft offers an additional cargo payload of 20.1 tonnes. “Emirates is today one of the world’s leading airlines thanks in part to the 777. Its ambitious expansion plans have established itself as a global force in the aviation sector,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Emirates has played an important role in the 777’s success with its significant support of the program and valuable feedback over the years. Today’s order serves to underscore the airline’s confidence in the airplane, which forms the mainstay of its fleet.” Emirates is on track to become one of the largest airlines in the world. In addition to the order placed today, Emirates has 79 Airbus A380s, 70 Airbus A350s and seven Boeing freighters on order totaling 204 wide-body aircraft worth more than US$67 billion. In a year where the aviation industry was rocked by the economic downturn, Emirates Airline recently reported its 22nd year of profit, up 416 per cent to close at US$964 million over its 2008-09 profits of US$187 million (AED 686 million).