According to The National News, Flydubai is negotiating a possible new aircraft order with Boeing, but is also in talks with Airbus, its biggest competitor. A new deal could be signed before the Dubai Airshow in November.
The low-cost carrier is currently an exclusive customer of the American manufacturer, so the choice of models from the European company would represent a real novelty.
See also: Flydubai unveils new Premium Business seats for its Boeing 737 MAX
Will Flydubai cease to be an exclusive Boeing customer?
Last Monday, during a trade show attended by various industry players, Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said that the company is considering adding new Boeing 737 MAXs, but clarified that it is also considering an order for Airbus A320neo aircraft. He did not elaborate on the possible size of the order.
According to Al Ghaith, the company wants to expand its fleet to meet the next phase of its expansion plan. “We are working very closely to try to sign some deals, hopefully by the Dubai Air Show”, he said.
Flydubai has already added seven new aircraft since January and expects to take delivery of another seventeen before the end of the year. If its projections are met, it would end 2023 with a fleet of ninety aircraft. However, the temporary suspension of deliveries of some 737 MAXs could lead to delays. Al Ghaith noted that “at least one” delivery would be affected.
See also: Southwest will take fewer Boeing 737 MAX deliveries in 2023 than initially expected
