Dubai, UAE-based flydubai has announced commitments for up to 400 new aircraft during the Dubai Airshow 2025, which will include the budget airline's first order with Airbus.
Dubai, UAE-based flydubai has announced commitments for up to 400 new aircraft during the Dubai Airshow 2025, which will include the budget airline's first order with Airbus.
At the Dubai Airshow 2025, flydubai signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for its first aircraft order with Airbus for a total of 250 jets – 150 firm orders for the A321neo with 100 options. Worth around USD $24 billion, the A321neos are scheduled to be delivered from 2031.
“This strategic addition diversifies our narrow-body fleet and strengthens our long-term expansion plans,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of flydubai. “This will enable flydubai to play a key role in the success of Dubai World Central’s expansion plans, an airport we aim to become the largest airport in the world.”
Sheikh Ahmed added: “The A321neos will support the next phase of our network development and enable us to meet rising demand across our markets. We look forward to establishing a strong and enduring partnership between flydubai and Airbus.”
“We welcome flydubai, one of the Middle East’s most ambitious and fast-growing carriers, as a new Airbus customer,” said Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. “The decision to invest in and introduce the A321neo into its fleet is another endorsement of the added value Airbus brings in terms of range, efficiency and passenger comfort. We look forward to supporting flydubai as it enables new growth and possibilities with our aircraft.”
More Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
A second MoU was signed with Boeing for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircaft – 75 firm and 75 options – worth USD $13 billion.
According to flydubai and Boeing, the new order will allow flydubai to take advantage of the 737 MAX family's flexibility and commonality, while leveraging the unique size and range of the 737-8, 737-9, and 737-10 models to suit its growing business.
Regarding the new aircraft order with Boeing, Sheikh Ahmed said: “We are pleased to announce a new agreement with Boeing. Looking ahead, proactive fleet planning is essential to ensuring we are well-placed to meet the rising demand for travel, a demand we are confident will continue to grow. Anticipating future needs is a defining factor in the success of any airline and today’s announcement reflects our commitment to that principle.”
flydubai was one of the world's first operators of the 737 MAX. The airline currently operates 96 Boeing narrowbody 737 aircraft – including 66 MAX 8s.
"flydubai is one of the world's first 737 MAX operators and their plan to place yet another order – their fourth order to date – reflects the 737 MAX's market-leading value and versatility," said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are proud that Boeing airplanes will continue to serve as the backbone of flydubai's strategic fleet and growth plans."
In addition to the 737 MAX, flydubai also has 30 widebody Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on order.
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