Flydubai orders 150 Airbus A321 Neo aircraft in pivot from Boeing-only fleet

Airline switches to European plane maker for first time

Flydubai currently operates an all-Boeing fleet and operates flights to more than 135 destinations. Photo: flydubai

Flydubai signed an initial pact for 150 Airbus A321 Neo single-aisle planes on the second day of the Dubai Airshow, in a departure for the all-Boeing operator.

The agreement for 150 firm A321 Neos, with options for 100 more aircraft, is valued at $24 billion, Flydubai said in a statement. Deliveries will start in 2031.

This is the airline's first order with Airbus, and flydubai will use the planes to diversify its narrow-body fleet and strengthen its long-term expansion plans, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman and chief executive of Emirates and chairman of flydubai, said at the Airshow on Tuesday.

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“The A321 Neo's fuel-efficiency, longer range, capabilities and passenger comfort aligns with our fleet expansion strategy,” he said at a press conference.

Flydubai will “continue to play an important role” as the first phase of Dubai World Central's expansion prepares for completion by 2032, with the aim of becoming the world's largest airport, he added.

Sheikh Ahmed said flydubai is looking forward to the A321 Neo entering the fleet in the next few years. “The time is right and as the theme of this year's Dubai Airshow reminds us: the future is here,” he added.

Christian Scherer, chief executive of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, said its first planes going to flydubai was a “landmark order”.

“If you will allow me a little teaser, Ghaith … what took you so long?” he asked flydubai's chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith.

“We are very impressed with flydubai as an efficiency-minded carrier that's also offering a premium product now,” Mr Scherer added.

The Airbus deal loosens Boeing's grip on the airline's single-model narrow-body fleet and offers the European plane maker a new customer for its most popular jet.

It is Airbus's first major announcement at the Dubai Airshow, after Boeing dominated the initial day with an order from flydubai sister airline Emirates for 65 777X wide-bodies.

Switching manufacturers in the narrow-body market is unusual as airlines prefer to keep unit costs low and reduce complexity.

“The flydubai order is unexpected and reflects its growing ambitions. Unfortunately, the absence of the [Boeing 737] Max-10 limits their choice,” Addison Schonland, partner at the American aviation media and analysis firm AirInsight, told The National, adding that he doesn't see the airline dropping Boeing for future orders.

“Also, a new airplane means more expensive pilot training and different spares, for example,” Mr Schonland said.

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  Flydubai is the first airline in the world to introduce business-class suites to single-aisle Boeing aircraft. All photos: flydubai

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  All seats offers direct aisle access and more space for travellers

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  The business-class suites will feature on select flydubai aircraft, starting in November

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  The new suites come with large entertainment screens, compatible with Bluetooth headphones

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  Travellers have the option to close suite doors for added privacy

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  The business suites allow travellers additional space and comfort in the air

Flydubai, which serves more than 135 destinations, currently operates a single fleet-type of 96 Boeing 737 aircraft – 27 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800, 66 Boeing 737 Max 8 and three Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft.

However, delays to deliveries of the 737 Max have frustrated the airline and slowed its growth amid Dubai's ambitious tourism plans.

At the Dubai Airshow in 2023, flydubai ordered 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliner wide-bodies valued at $11 billion, in a surprise move for the narrow-body operator.

Flydubai has been investing in premium products and services to expand beyond the low-cost business model it established when it began operations in June 2009.

Separately, Gulf Air on Tuesday announced an order for 15 Boeing 787 aircraft at the Airshow, building on its July commitment, with options for three more Dreamliners.

The agreement brings the Bahrain carrier's order book to 17 of the wide-body jets.

“By confirming our acquisition of the Boeing 787 Dreamliners, we are accelerating our strategy to increase capacity [and] strengthen long-haul operations,” said Khalid Husain Taqi, chairman of Gulf Air Group.