Emirates has expanded its fleet plans with a fresh order for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, worth US$ 38 billion at list prices. Announced on the opening day of Dubai Airshow 2025, this move deepens the airline’s relationship with Boeing and GE Aerospace while reinforcing its long-term fleet strategy. The aircraft will be powered by GE9X engines, with Emirates also adding 130 more engines to its orderbook.

With this latest agreement, Emirates now holds a total of 315 widebody aircraft on order from Boeing. This includes 270 Boeing 777Xs, 10 Boeing 777 freighters, and 35 Boeing 787s. The GE9X engine order has also grown to 540 units in total. The scale of these commitments directly supports US aerospace manufacturing jobs across states involved in the production of the 777X and GE9X programmes.

The airline has also secured options to convert part of its new 777-9 order into either the 777-8 or the proposed 777-10. These options give strong support to Boeing’s ongoing feasibility study for the 777-10, a larger capacity variant of the 777X family.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: Emirates is already the world’s largest Boeing 777 operator and we are expanding our commitment to the programme today with additional orders worth US$ 38 billion for 65 Boeing 777-9s, and 130 GE9X engines. This is a long-term commitment and testament to our partnership with Boeing and GE, and to US aerospace.

“Each of our aircraft on order has been carefully factored into Emirates’ expansion plan, which is aligned to Dubai’s growth plans. Flying a young and modern fleet with innovative cabin products has always been a cornerstone of Emirates’ strategy, and we look forward to continue working closely with Boeing to receive delivery of our first 777-9s from Q2 of 2027, and to equip our latest aircraft with state-of-the-art, industry-leading onboard products.”

On the 777-10 study, HH Sheikh Ahmed added: “Emirates has been open about the fact that we are keen for manufacturers to build larger capacity aircraft, which are more efficient to operate especially with projected air traffic growth and increasing constraints at airports. We fully support Boeing’s feasibility study to develop the 777-10 and have options to convert our latest 777-9 order to the 777-10 or the 777-8.”

Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said, “We are deeply honoured that Emirates has once again selected the Boeing 777X to power its future as the airline refreshes its world-class fleet and expands its vaunted global network. Boeing has been a proud supporter of Emirates over the past 40 years as the airline has grown into one of the world’s leading carriers and developed a reputation for excellence and innovation. We look forward to growing our partnership and for Emirates to fly Boeing airplanes for decades to come.”

Russell Stokes, President & CEO, Commercial Engines & Services for GE Aerospace, said, “We are proud to deepen our decades-long partnership with Emirates as we advance the future of flight together. Already the world’s largest customer for GE90 and GP7200 engines, this additional GE9X order reflects Emirates’ confidence in our technology and our team. We are ready to support Emirates in every way to leverage the efficiency and durability of our industry-leading solutions and services.”

Emirates has flown every model of the Boeing 777 over its 40-year history and continues to operate the world’s largest 777 fleet today. With 119 Boeing 777-300ERs, 10 Boeing 777-200LRs, and 11 Boeing 777 freighters currently in service, these aircraft connect Dubai to more than 140 cities worldwide. After this latest order, Emirates’ Boeing deliveries will extend up to 2038, drawing on the expertise of thousands of workers across US manufacturing sites involved in the 777X and GE9X programmes.

About Emirates
Emirates’ 39 years in India reflect a steady journey of investment, partnership, and expansion. Since launching flights from Dubai to Delhi and Mumbai in its early days, Emirates now serves nine cities across the country. For details on routes, operations, travel guidance and safety measures, visit Emirates’ official website.

There’s something heartwarming about watching a child hold their first passport, a tiny booklet filled with big dreams. This Children’s Day, parents can turn that excitement into a lifelong memory by planning their child's very first trip abroad. With curated family-friendly holidays, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel make the experience smooth, safe, and full of wonder. Here are some delightful destinations that promise fun, learning, and adventure for young travellers.

Japan

Japan is a dream come true for kids, with its mix of futuristic wonders and cartoon magic. Little travellers can visit the Pokémon Centre in Tokyo, ride the Shinkansen, and enjoy a full day at Tokyo Disneyland or Universal Studios Osaka. Winter brings the enchanting Sapporo Snow Festival, where giant ice sculptures and snowy play zones make the experience feel straight out of a storybook. Robot cafés, cherry blossoms, and samurai tales add even more charm to the journey.

Singapore

Compact, clean, and incredibly kid-friendly, Singapore is perfect for a first-time international holiday. Sentosa’s beaches, Universal Studios, and attractions for all ages make it a favourite. Places like Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Zoo spark curiosity and offer memorable learning moments. Easy to explore and safe for families, Singapore keeps both parents and children relaxed and excited.

Switzerland

For children who dream of snow-covered landscapes, Switzerland offers postcard-like scenery and endless fun. Families can ride the Glacier Express, enjoy the snowy world of Jungfraujoch, and visit chocolate-making spots for a sweet experience. Peaceful cities and scenic routes make the trip both calming and playful.

South Africa

South Africa turns storybooks into reality with safaris at Kruger National Park, where kids can spot elephants, lions, and giraffes in their natural habitat. In Cape Town, families can enjoy beaches, take the cable car up Table Mountain, and meet penguins at Boulders Beach. It's the perfect mix of adventure, learning, and family bonding.

Dubai

A short flight from India, Dubai is an action-packed playground for kids. From indoor skiing at Ski Dubai and marine life encounters at Dubai Aquarium to stunning views from Burj Khalifa, the city offers something exciting at every stop. Theme parks at Dubai Parks & Resorts including LEGOLAND and Motiongate, add extra joy to the trip.

Abu Dhabi

Calm, elegant, and full of enriching experiences, Abu Dhabi is ideal for families with younger children. Highlights include Louvre Abu Dhabi, Emirates Park Zoo, and entertainment zones like Warner Bros. World and Ferrari World on Yas Island. With clean beaches and open spaces, the city offers a peaceful yet playful holiday.

Sri Lanka

 Visa-free and close to home, Sri Lanka is a lovely choice for a first international getaway. Kids can enjoy the scenic train ride to Ella, spot elephants in Minneriya, and spend sunny days building sandcastles on Bentota’s beaches. Warm hospitality and good value make it a stress-free pick for parents.

Australia

Australia brings wildlife and outdoor fun together for curious young travellers. Families can meet kangaroos and koalas at Featherdale Wildlife Park, explore the Sydney Aquarium, and relax at the Gold Coast’s beaches. The country’s laid-back pace and family-friendly attractions make the experience comfortable and memorable.

France

France is a sweet blend of fairy tales and culture. Disneyland Paris is the highlight for most kids, while river cruises on the Seine, picnics near the Eiffel Tower, and colourful Parisian carousels add magic to the trip. It’s a charming destination for children who love stories, castles, and imagination.

South Korea

Vibrant and modern, South Korea is full of fun surprises. In Seoul, kids can enjoy Lotte World, themed streets, K-pop-inspired attractions, and hands-on workshops. A short flight to Jeju Island offers beaches, nature trails, and lava caves making the trip exciting and varied.

A child’s first overseas trip is much more than a holiday, it’s a doorway to curiosity, joy, and shared family memories. With Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel offering customised itineraries, support with visa and bookings, and stays designed for comfort, families can enjoy a smooth and magical start to their little one’s travel story. That first passport stamp often becomes the beginning of many more adventures to come.

oneworld has announced the top 10 most-searched destinations for Round the World travel in 2026, featuring a blend of iconic cities and major international gateways. The list includes London, Tokyo, Doha, Hong Kong, Sydney, Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York, Melbourne, and Singapore.

With the recent addition of Fiji Airways and Oman Air, and Hawaiian Airways set to join the alliance in 2026, interest in Pacific and Middle Eastern destinations has surged. Searches have notably increased for Fiji, the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Hawaii, and Oman, reflecting growing traveller curiosity for diverse, long-haul experiences.

According to oneworld’s data, Japan leads as the top origin market for Round the World tickets, followed by Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Hong Kong. Interestingly, 66% of travellers are embarking on solo journeys, typically visiting an average of seven destinations over three or more months.

“Searches on oneworld.com show a strong appetite for adventure in the New Year. From the Big Apple and Hawaii's Big Island to Mount Fuji and the Atlas Mountains, oneworld's Round the World fares offer customers access to an unbeatable network of leading airlines on a single ticket,” said Roger Blackburn, oneworld’s Vice President – Commercial and Loyalty. “These fares are also increasingly popular among corporate travellers seeking flexible and cost-effective travel options for complex itineraries.”

oneworld remains the only global airline alliance to offer multiple Round the World ticket types designed to suit different travel styles and itineraries. These fares can be conveniently planned and booked online through oneworld.com, allowing customers to earn frequent flyer miles or points and access over 700 airport lounges worldwide.

Travellers can choose from three key fare options:

• oneworld Explorer – A continent-based fare, ideal for travellers looking to explore multiple regions.
  Sample itinerary: London – Muscat – Kuala Lumpur – Tokyo – Sydney – Nadi (Fiji) – Los Angeles – New York – London.
  

• Global Explorer – A distance-based fare, best suited for complex itineraries.
  Sample itinerary: Sydney – Honolulu – San Francisco – Dallas – London – Helsinki – Hong Kong – Sydney.
  

• Circle Pacific – A unique fare designed for journeys starting and ending in the Pacific region.
  Sample itinerary: Tokyo – Honolulu – Los Angeles – Nadi – Auckland – Sydney – Hong Kong – Tokyo.
  

oneworld’s Round the World fares are valid for trips lasting from 10 days up to 12 months, allowing between three and 16 flights across as many as six continents, and must include at least one trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific sector.

To learn more or begin planning an itinerary, travellers can visit oneworld.com/round-the-world or consult a travel advisor.