Dubai-based low-cost carrier flydubai is making strategic moves to expand and modernise its fleet with a potential order of 200 narrow-body aircraft. The deal could also include options for a hundred more, reinforcing flydubai’s position as a key player in the Middle Eastern aviation market.
More details about the initiative
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, mentioned that he is in constant discussions with aircraft manufacturers to secure future aircraft orders. Particularly, he said:
“Advance planning and reliable aircraft delivery schedules are an integral part of the success of any airline’s expansion and aircraft replacement strategy. We are currently assessing our requirement for narrow-body aircraft and any decision will be announced once it is finalised“
While Boeing has been flydubai’s primary aircraft supplier, recent production and delivery issues have urged the airline to add Airbus amid the issues Boeing is facing. This potential addition follows the notable order of 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners during the Dubai Airshow in November 2023.
flyDubai’s remarkable growth follows broader fleet growth in the Middle Eastern aviation market. Several key airlines are asserting their dominance in the region by attempting to expand their fleet with new wide-body additions. Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Riyadh Air, and Gulf Air are currently negotiating the addition of wide-body aircraft. In particular, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is discussing the potential order of up to 40 wide-body jets. Similarly, Qatar Airways is undergoing talks about the addition of an extraordinary number of 230 wide-bodies while Riyadh Air is considering adding 50 similarly sized jets.
Expansion to the Indian market
As well as fleet expansion, flydubai is also seeking new market destinations including India. The company has discussed its potential acquisition of the Indian Airline GoFirst in partnership with Busy Bee Airways. However, the airline expressed no interest in purchasing physical assets such as aircraft or GoFirst’s large plot of land near Mumbai but rather the trademark and airport slots. Hence, this initiative remains secondary to flydubai’s fleet expansion attempts.
With a major aircraft order on the horizon and potential market entries under discussion could this emerging key player challenge the dominance of major airlines in the Middle East? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
