Will Airbus Win Flydubai’s Next Aircraft Order?

Flydubai (FZ) is evaluating its options for a significant new aircraft order, with both Airbus and Boeing in the running, according to CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith in a recent Bloomberg interview. Currently, Flydubai operates an all-Boeing fleet, but recent delays and cancellations from the U.S. manufacturer could sway the airline towards Airbus for its upcoming acquisition.

“We need to make a strategic decision for the next decade,” Al Ghaith stated. “The opportunity to choose between Airbus and Boeing remains open.”

The forthcoming order is expected to surpass Flydubai’s previous largest order, which was placed in December 2017. That order included 175 Boeing 737-8s with an option for an additional 50, marking the airline’s biggest procurement to date.

Flydubai still has 127 Boeing 737-8s on order, though its current fleet consists of 56 Boeing 737-8s, 29 Boeing 737-800s, and 3 Boeing 737-9s, totaling 88 aircraft. However, only four of the scheduled deliveries from Boeing this year have been fulfilled, all of which were delayed from previous years. Al Ghaith expressed frustration, noting that Boeing has indicated no further deliveries for 2024. This delay has been a significant setback for Flydubai’s expansion plans.

“Flydubai is actively discussing future aircraft orders with manufacturers,” Al Ghaith shared with ch-aviation. “We are reviewing our needs for narrow-body aircraft to support our growth trajectory in the coming years. We hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing delivery issues, as reliable schedules are crucial for any airline’s expansion.”

In contrast, Al Ghaith remains optimistic about the airline’s order for thirty Boeing 787-9s placed at the 2023 Dubai Air Show. He anticipates minimal delays in this delivery schedule, which is expected to commence in 2026. The addition of these wide-body aircraft will enable Flydubai to expand its routes to new destinations beyond the current range of its narrow-body fleet.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Flydubai, ch-aviation.com