flydubai CEO Expresses Openness to Airbus Orders Amid Boeing Dominance

In a surprising shift, the CEO of flydubai (FZ), based at Dubai International, Ghaith Al Ghaith, has revealed the airline’s openness to acquiring Airbus aircraft in the future, despite currently operating an all-Boeing fleet. This revelation comes on the heels of the airline’s recent order for thirty Boeing 787-9s at the 2023 Dubai Air Show.

In an interview with Business Traveller, Al Ghaith stated, “We are always open-minded to acquire Airbus…it’s a fantastic aircraft. Unfortunately, we have never been lucky enough to strike the right deal with Airbus. But in the future, you never know.”

flydubai, a state-owned low-cost carrier, currently boasts a fleet of 85 aircraft, consisting of forty-seven Boeing 737-8s, thirty-five 737-800s, and three 737-9s. The airline has a substantial order book with an additional 136 737-8s, scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2035.

Expressing gratitude for the support received from Boeing, Al Ghaith highlighted the significance of the recent widebody order, marking a milestone in the airline’s growth and maturity. “It shows that after 15 years of our operations, and 18 years until we get [the 787-9], we have come of age and are mature enough to expand.”

Following the 787 order, flydubai has also inked a deal with CAE, an aviation training digital solutions provider, to establish a USD56 million full-flight simulator and training facility for its Boeing 737 fleet. Additionally, the airline has announced plans for a USD190 million dedicated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) in Dubai South, near Dubai World Central.

As flydubai continues to diversify its partnerships and expand its capabilities, the airline’s potential inclusion of Airbus aircraft in its fleet adds an intriguing dimension to its future plans. Stay tuned for further developments in flydubai’s strategic evolution.