flydubai (FZ, Dubai International) may order more than 200 narrowbody aircraft as it looks to expand and modernise its fleet. According to an article published by Bloomberg, the contract that the Dubai-based carrier is set to sign could include options for 100 more.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer at flydubai, told ch-aviation that the airline is in constant discussions with aircraft manufacturers regarding future aircraft orders.
"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," he said.
flydubai has traditionally been a Boeing customer. However, it has not ruled out the possibility of adding Airbus jets in light of the current problems Boeing is facing. The airline made headlines during the Dubai Airshow in November 2023 when it placed an order for thirty B787-9s, its first widebody aircraft.
Other major airlines in the Middle East are also looking to expand their fleets. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is in talks about a potential order for up to 40 widebody jets, according to Bloomberg. Qatar Airways is considering an order for 230 widebodies, while Riyadh Air is looking to acquire 50 similarly sized jets. None of these airlines responded to ch-aviation's requests for comment.
Gulf Air is reportedly also looking to expand its fleet with around ten widebody aircraft. ch-aviation could not reach Gulf Air for comment.
