Emirates has signed a commitment to purchase 40 787-10 aircraft from Boeing.

“Emirates’ orders today will be delivered from 2022, taking the airline well into the 2030s,” said Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, at the signing ceremony on the first day of the Dubai Airshow 2017. “Some of these will be replacements so that we maintain a young and efficient fleet, and others will power our future network growth. We see the 787 as a great complement to our 777 and A380 fleet, providing us with more flexibility to serve a range of destinations as we develop our global route network. It has always been Emirates’ strategy to invest in the most advanced and efficient aircraft, and today’s orders reflect that. Today’s announcement also speaks to our confidence in the future of aviation in the UAE and the region.”

The agreement includes the option to switch the aircraft to the smaller 787-9. Emirates has yet to decide whether the 787s will be powered by engines from General Electric or Rolls-Royce.

The commitment takes the total number of orders and commitments for the 787-10 to 210. It also pushes the number of new orders and commitments for the 787 this year to more than 180.

“We are excited that Emirates has selected the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner to power its fleet expansion and future growth,” said Kevin McAllister, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This is an airplane that will set a new benchmark for operating economics in the commercial aviation industry when it enters service next year. Emirates’ endorsement of the 787 Dreamliner extends our long-standing partnership and will sustain many jobs in the United States.”

Emirates is already the largest operator of the 777, with 165 aircraft. The airline placed an order for 150 777X aircraft equipped with GE9X engines at the Dubai Airshow 2013 and will be the first to receive the type from 2020.

Emirates ordered 50 Airbus A350-900s and 20 A350-1000s at the Dubai Airshow 2007 but cancelled the order in June 2014.