flydubai and American Boeing announced an agreement in which flydubai committed to purchasing 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft valued at $11 billion. The order is part of the airline’s strategy to diversify its fleet by operating wide-body aircraft. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of flydubai, and Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes signed the order.
Airplane features
flydubai is evaluating engine options for its first Dreamliner order. This aircraft suits flydubai’s needs as it allows the company to open new, longer-range routes and increase its capacity. Therefore, this aircraft will play a pivotal role in the company’s strategic expansion plans. The Boeing 787-9 also features more than 290 seats, a range of 14,010 kilometers, and additional cargo capacity.
Since the launch of its commercial flights in 2011, Boeing 787 operated more than 380 new non-stop routes. This aircraft is also distinguished by its versatility and efficiency. Thus, half of the 787 Dreamliner flights were short and medium-haul.
Expansion and innovation
In light of the agreement, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “In 2008, when we placed the first order for 50 Boeing 737 aircraft. We were confident of the vital role that flydubai would play in supporting Dubai as a global aviation hub. Today, we are proud to see flydubai develop further and overcome travel-related challenges. Today’s order reaffirms flydubai’s commitment to making it easier for more people to travel across its growing network. Thus, the highly fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner will allow flydubai to expand its horizons and meet the growing demand for existing destinations.”
Commenting on the choice of the aircraft, Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “Innovation is at the core of everything we do at flydubai. We are committed to providing the right product at the right time to meet the changing needs of the market and customers. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner delivers the perfect combination of operational excellence and fuel efficiency as well as appeal to passengers.”
Read: Dubai Airshow 2023 takes flight today welcoming over 1,400 participants
flydubai’s evolution
flydubai currently operates one fleet consisting of 80 Boeing 737 aircraft. Moreover, the fleet includes 30 Boeing Next Generation 737-800 aircraft, 47 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, and 30 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.
The carrier currently has orders for more than 130 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, to be delivered by 2035. Furthermore, flydubai’s network has also grown to cover more than 120 destinations in 54 countries from Europe to Southeast Asia.
According to Boeing’s commercial market forecasts, the Middle East fleet is expected to double over the next twenty years. About half of these aircraft will be wide-body aircraft, driven by the region’s status as a global aviation hub.
For more news on logistics, click here.
