flydubai has made history by placing its first-ever order with Airbus. Announced on the second day of the Dubai Airshow, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) foresees the addition of up to 150 Airbus A321neo family aircraft to the airline’s fleet. Until now operating exclusively with Boeing aircraft, the airline is turning to European manufacturer Airbus for the first time.
The signing ceremony was attended by flydubai Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Said Al Maktum, Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer, and flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith.
While the exact model breakdown has not been finalized, industry sources indicate that the airline is favoring the A321LR and the ultra-long-range A321XLR. Deliveries are set to begin in 2031, forming the foundation for the next phase of flydubai’s network expansion strategy. This order does not affect the airline’s existing commitments to Boeing, with 737 MAX orders and thirty 787-9 aircraft scheduled for delivery from 2026 remaining in the fleet.
