This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.
Summary
- flyDubai, Dubai’s low-cost carrier, has made its first ever order for widebody aircraft, purchasing 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
- The airline’s chairman, Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, expressed confidence in the airline’s strength and announced the order as a significant milestone.
- flyDubai’s current fleet consists mainly of Boeing 737 aircraft, but the move into widebody territory reflects the airline’s commitment to advanced and efficient aircraft.
Hot on the heels of a massive order by Emirates for the Boeing 777X, Dubai’s low-cost carrier flyDubai has signed an order for the first widebodies in its history. The airline made a firm order with Boeing for 30 787-9 Dreamliners,
At the order announcement, Chairman Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum noted the importance of this, the airline’s first foray into the world of widebodies, saying,
“We have confidence that our young airline is as strong as ever today, and we’re delighted to announce this aircraft order. This order is special, and signals a new chapter for the airline, building on the success of a strong business model.”
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
To date, the airline has ordered only Boeing 737 family aircraft. According to ch-aviation, the airline currently flies 30 Boeing 737-800s alongside a growing fleet of MAX aircraft. At present, there are 50 MAX in the fleet, mostly the 737-8 but with three 737-9 alongside. Orders are in for a further 136 737 MAX, with the split in variants not yet firmed up. The chairman further noted the reasons for moving into widebody territory, as he said,
“This is flyDubai’s first widebody order, diversifying its fleet… it has always been flyDubai’s strategy to invest in the most advanced and efficient aircraft, and today’s order reflects just that.”