FlyDubai Expands Fleet with Purchase of 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

FlyDubai announced a significant expansion of its fleet on November 13, confirming an agreement to acquire 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This move, marking the airline’s foray into widebody jets, was officially unveiled during a signing ceremony at the Dubai Airshow.

The Dubai-based carrier plans to leverage the 787’s efficiency to develop new routes and increase capacity on existing ones. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, reflected on the airline’s journey, saying, “Since our first order for 50 Boeing 737s in 2008, flydubai has played a crucial role in Dubai’s aviation hub. This new order not only reaffirms our commitment to expanding our network but also introduces the highly efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner, catering to increasing passenger demand.”

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, emphasized the airline’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction. “The Boeing 787 Dreamliner perfectly aligns with our mission, offering operational excellence, fuel efficiency, and a superior passenger experience,” he stated.

The 787-9 model is known for its impressive capacity, accommodating 296 passengers and flying up to 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles), with additional cargo space. Since its introduction in 2011, the 787 family has initiated over 380 new nonstop global routes, with half of these flights serving short- to medium-haul distances under 5,000 km (2,700 nautical miles), demonstrating the aircraft’s versatility.

Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commented on the suitability of the 787-9 for flydubai’s strategic goals. “The 787-9 Dreamliner is ideal for flydubai’s expanding route network, offering unparalleled passenger experience and comfort,” he remarked.

Currently, flydubai operates a fleet of 79 Boeing 737s and has an outstanding order for 137 additional 737s. Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecasts that the Middle East’s airplane fleet will more than double in the next two decades, with widebody airplanes constituting nearly half of these new deliveries, underscoring the region’s rising prominence as a global air transit hub.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, boeing.com