flydubai today signed an MOU for 75 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, plus 75 options. This comes after yesterday’s order for 150 Airbus A321neo narrow-bodies. The new order reflects a vote of confidence for the MAX and in Boeing as its quality improvement efforts continue.
Unfortunately, yesterday’s order illustrates the impact of the continuing delays for the 737 MAX 10, as the currently available models lack the additional range and capacity capabilities of the A321neo. The A321neo family has essentially taken over the middle of the market narrow-body segment that Boeing created with the 757. Boeing’s strategic decision not to replace the 757 family has cost it dearly in market share, exacerbated by the safety and quality issues that have delayed the 737 MAX 10 development and certification.
Nonetheless, the order for 75 additional aircraft is a positive for Boeing. Their CEO indicated in an interview that Boeing could emerge stronger from its crises. The order will allow flydubai to choose at a later date which of three MAX variants, -8, -9, or -10 that it needs.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, signed the MoU agreement with Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, at the signing ceremony which was attended by Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, at the Dubai Airshow 2025.
Commenting on the milestone announcement, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, 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 demand for travel, 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, characterized 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.”
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said “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. We are proud that Boeing airplanes will continue to serve as the backbone of flydubai’s strategic fleet and growth plans.”
The Bottom Line
Boeing recovered nicely after a disappointing competitive win at an all-Boeing customer with a win of its own. Nonetheless, the order yesterday for 150 Airbus aircraft, rather than retaining the customer as an all-Boeing operator, was a major competitive breakthrough indicating the weakness of the long-delayed MAX 10 in today’s marketplace.
Certification of the last two MAX variants may hinge on FAA exemptions that are still under review. Further delays to the MAX 10 could bring additional customer defections to Airbus, and the lack of an announcement regarding the exemptions is disconcerting, as further delays may result in order cancellations. The FAA decision will be critical to certification timing for Boeing, which is already gearing up for 737-10 production.
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