Flydubai signed a memorandum of understanding for 75 Boeing 737 MAX jets, a $13 billion deal that also includes options for an additional 75 aircraft, at the Dubai Airshow 2025.
The order is flydubai’s fourth major 737 MAX commitment and will add to its existing fleet of 96 aircraft—63 737 MAX 8s, 27 737‑800s and 3 737 MAX 9s—supporting expansion to 135 destinations and the airline’s planned move to Al Maktoum International Airport.
Delivery of the new jets is expected to begin in 2026, with a full schedule to be confirmed. Flydubai retains flexibility to choose among the 737‑8, 737‑9 and 737‑10 variants, though the specific mix has not been disclosed.
The MoU strengthens Boeing’s backlog, which stood at 4,763 737 MAX aircraft as of March 31 2025, and underscores the manufacturer’s recovery after the 737 MAX challenges. The order also positions Boeing favorably against Airbus in the Middle East, especially after flydubai’s simultaneous 150 A321neo order the day before.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, flydubai chairman, said proactive fleet planning is essential to meet rising travel demand and that confidence in Boeing’s aircraft remains high. Stephanie Pope, president of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, highlighted the 737 MAX’s value and versatility and reaffirmed Boeing as the backbone of flydubai’s growth plans.
The dual‑fleet strategy reflects flydubai’s diversification, allowing optimization of route capacity and aligning with Dubai World Central’s expansion plans slated for 2032. Uncertainty over the 737‑10 variant prompted the Airbus order, illustrating the airline’s careful balance between performance and certification timelines.
Overall, the 75‑jet order signals robust demand for the 737 MAX in the Middle East and reinforces Boeing’s commercial momentum, while flydubai positions itself for sustained network growth and airport expansion.
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.