Airbus is reportedly set to secure the majority share of a major new aircraft order from fast-growing budget carrier flydubai, a move that would significantly challenge the long-held dominance of its rival, Boeing, over the airline's fleet.
Sources familiar with the negotiations indicate that the European planemaker is nearing a deal to sell approximately 100 A321neo jets to flydubai. This anticipated order, which is expected to be announced at the prestigious Dubai Airshow, would mark the first significant European contract for the Emirati low-cost carrier.
A Strategic Fleet Diversification
The planned order represents a major strategic shift for flydubai, which has historically been an exclusive, loyal customer of Boeing. The airline’s current fleet and existing backlog are heavily centered on the American manufacturer, featuring some 175 Boeing 737 MAX jets either in service or on order, in addition to 30 larger Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
By introducing the Airbus A321neo—a direct competitor to the Boeing 737 MAX in the narrow-body market—flydubai would achieve critical fleet diversification. This strategy can provide the carrier with leverage in future negotiations, reduce risk associated with potential delays or issues with a single manufacturer, and allow it to choose the best available aircraft for specific routes and capacity needs.
Credit: Flydubai
Implications for the Global Aerospace Rivalry
While Airbus appears poised to win the bulk of the business, sources suggest that flydubai is also in discussions with Boeing for a smaller follow-on order of several dozen 737 MAX jets.
Nevertheless, the potential major win for Airbus would represent a significant symbolic and commercial victory. For years, Boeing has relied on its established relationship with flydubai, making the carrier a key Middle Eastern operator for the 737 family. Securing the lion's share of this new order would allow Airbus to significantly increase its market penetration in the region and further solidify the A321neo's standing as a preferred choice for high-density, single-aisle routes.
The final details of the multi-billion-dollar deal are expected to be formalized and announced officially during the Dubai Airshow, where both Airbus and Boeing traditionally unveil their largest orders.