Flydubai Becomes First-Time Airbus Customer

The Emirati carrier will add A321neos to its currently all-Boeing fleet.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 10:21 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Rendering of a Flydubai A321neo (Photo: Airbus)

Key Takeaways:

Flydubai has signed its first-ever deal with Airbus for 150 A321neo jets, diversifying its current all-Boeing fleet.
The acquisition supports the airline's planned network expansion and growth at its future hub, Al Maktoum International Airport.
The addition of the more fuel-efficient A321neo aircraft aims to help build Dubai World Center into the largest airport in the world.

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Emirati airline flydubai has signed its first-ever deal with Airbus for 150 A321neo jets.

Announced on the second day of the Dubai Airshow, the agreement will see flydubai diversify its all-Boeing fleet while laying the groundwork for a planned network expansion.

Currently, the airline operates Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft.

Financial details of the A321neo deal were not disclosed.

Flydubai has its main operations hub at Dubai International Airport but will move to Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Center, after the completion of a major expansion project there.

In a statement, flydubai Chairman and CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said the addition of the more fuel-efficient A321neo will help the airline grow at its new home while building Dubai World Center into the “largest airport in the world.”

A flydubai 737 MAX 8 performing a test flight at Paine Field. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Emirates, one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, also plans to shift operations from Dubai International to Al Maktoum.

Flydubai has not said which new markets it hopes to enter. It currently serves destinations in the Middle East, East Africa, Central and South Asia, and Europe.