flydubai has announced its commitment to purchase 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the airline as it introduces wide-body aircraft to its fleet for the first time. The signing ceremony, a highlight of the Dubai Airshow 2023, was graced by notable figures including His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE.
flydubai’s Evolution and Future Vision
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, reflected on the airline’s journey since its first order of 50 Boeing 737 aircraft in 2008. He expressed pride in flydubai’s growth and its role in bolstering Dubai’s status as an aviation hub. “Today’s order reaffirms flydubai’s commitment to enabling more people to travel across its expanding network. The highly fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner will allow flydubai to expand its horizons and cater to the growing demand on existing routes.”
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, emphasized the airline’s focus on innovation and adapting to market and customer needs. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its operational excellence and fuel efficiency, aligns perfectly with flydubai’s vision.
Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commented on the suitability of the Dreamliners for flydubai’s needs. He highlighted the ‘Dreamliner effect,’ which promises a unique flying experience for passengers, and expressed pride in flydubai’s continued trust in Boeing’s fleet.
flydubai’s Fleet Growth and Market Impact
Since its inception, flydubai has shown remarkable growth in its fleet and network. The airline currently operates 80 Boeing 737 aircraft, including 30 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800, 47 Boeing 737 MAX 8, and 3 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. With more than 130 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft yet to be delivered by 2035, flydubai’s network spans over 120 destinations in 54 countries, ranging from Europe to Southeast Asia.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, capable of seating over 290 passengers, offers a range of 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles) and enhanced cargo capacity. Since its first flight in 2011, the 787 family has opened up more than 380 new nonstop routes globally, showcasing its versatility across various market segments.
A Look at flydubai’s Past Orders
flydubai’s relationship with Boeing has been marked by significant orders over the years:
- Farnborough Airshow, July 2008: Flydubai’s first order of 50 Next-Generation Boeing 737 aircraft, valued at USD 3.74 billion.
- Dubai Airshow, November 2013: An order for 75 Boeing 737 MAX and 11 Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft, valued at USD 11.4 billion.
- Dubai Airshow, November 2017: A record order for 225 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, valued at USD 27 billion, the largest single-aisle aircraft order in the Middle East.
- Dubai Airshow, November 2023: The latest order for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, valued at USD 11 billion, to be delivered starting from 2026.
Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecasts a significant expansion in the Middle East’s fleet over the next two decades, with wide-body aircraft making up nearly half of these deliveries. This growth underscores the region’s evolving role as a global aviation hub.
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