flydubai enters deal with Boeing for 75 more 737 MAX family aircraft
November 19, 2025
The Dubai-based carrier, flydubai, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing for 75 additional Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft.
The announcement will assist the carrier in accelerating its short-haul expansion plans in the coming years and fulfilling Dubai’s vision for aviation growth in the future.
flydubai doubles down on the 737 MAX
The MOU was signed on day three at the Dubai Airshow by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, along with Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai.
flydubai currently operates a fleet of 96 Boeing 737 aircraft, which includes 27 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800, 66 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, and 3 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.
The airline first flew in June 2009 and has grown rapidly in the years since. Currently, the airline operates on 141 routes serving 137 destinations in 58 countries.
Expanding the flydubai fleet to meet rising demand
Commenting on the milestone announcement, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said, “We are pleased to announce a new agreement with Boeing. Looking ahead, proactive fleet planning is essential to ensuring we are well-placed to meet the rising travel demand, a demand we are confident will continue to grow.”
“Anticipating future needs is a defining factor in the success of any airline, and today’s announcement reflects our commitment to that principle.
Dubai’s ecosystem, characterised by world-class infrastructure, progressive legislation, open-skies policies and its ability to attract global talent, creates an environment where flydubai can thrive and expand.”
“We are proud to place another 737 MAX order with Boeing, a trusted partner that has played a key role in growing our network to its current scale.”
“Reliable aircraft availability and timely deliveries are vital to the ongoing growth of our industry, and this agreement ensures we remain well-positioned for future growth, adding to the fleet as well as replacing current aircraft.”
The 737 MAX family offers flexibility
According to a flydubai statement, this latest deal will allow flydubai to take advantage of the 737 MAX family’s flexibility and commonality.
The airline will have the option of converting orders between the various variants in the MAX range, thereby leveraging the size and range of the 737-8, 737-9, and 737-10 models to suit its varied and expanding network.
“flydubai is one of the world’s first 737 MAX operators, and their plan to place yet another order, their fourth 737 order to date, reflects the 737 MAX’s market-leading value and versatility,” commented Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are proud that Boeing aircraft will continue to serve as the backbone of flydubai’s strategic fleet and growth plans.”
A busy week for flydubai at DAS2025
Also announced at the Dubai Airshow, Boeing and flydubai announced an agreement that will provide ab initio pilots, pilots undergoing initial type rating courses and maintenance personnel with comprehensive training programs to support flydubai’s fleet operations.
According to a Boeing statement, the agreements for Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) programs are designed to improve training outcomes through a focus on competency and data-informed scenarios. Boeing will also provide consulting services to support the implementation of the training programs for flydubai.
Captain Ahmad Bin Huzaim, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations & Crew Training at flydubai, said: “flydubai remains committed to integrating the most advanced technologies and industry-leading services to ensure our training capabilities consistently meet the highest global standards.”
“Boeing’s Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) programs provide our expanding community of pilots and engineers with a modern, performance-driven framework for continuous professional and technical development.”
“By emphasising demonstrated competencies, the CBTA approach enables a more tailored and effective training experience, further strengthening safety, operational efficiency and confidence across all flight and maintenance operations.”
Earlier on during the Dubai Airshow 2025, the carrier placed an order with Airbus for 150 A320 family aircraft. The order represented the first time that the airline had placed new aircraft orders directly with the European aircraft manufacturer, having previously operated an all-Boeing fleet.
In addition to the single-aisle deals announcd this week, the carrier has an outstanding order with Boeing for 30 787 Dreamliners, which was placed at a previous incarnation of the Dubai Airshow in 2023. Deliveries of those aircraft, which will feature a premium economy product on board for the first time in the airline’s history, are due to begin in 2027.
Stay up to date with all the news from Dubai Airshow 2025 with AGN.
Featured image: Photoflex / stock.adobe.com
