Flydubai set to buy 75 aircraft at Dubai Airshow

Boeing is most likely to win majority of budget airline’s order for its revamped 737 Max

By Abdul Basit

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Published: Sun 17 Nov 2013, 8:48 AM

Last updated: Fri 3 Apr 2015, 5:29 AM

Flydubai is expected to sign agreements for up to 75 new aircraft during the Dubai Airshow, aviation sources said, adding that Boeing is most likely to win majority of the order for its revamped 737 Max.

Earlier this year, flydubai chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum confirmed that the low-cost carrier is talking to Airbus and Boeing for a 50 aircraft order. Shaikh Ahmed, who is also President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, also indicated that the agreement is expected to be signed during the Dubai Airshow 2013.

Top officials of Boeing declined to comment on any agreement signing with flydubai, but said: “We are going to have a great week.” Starting from Sunday the airshow will run until Thursday at its new dedicated venue Dubai World Central.

“Actually they are in the final decision of … purchase of up to 75 Max or [Airbus] neo. Max is our great product and they [flydubai] operate our 737 today. They are great partner,” Boeing senior vice-president for International Sales Marty A. Bentrott told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of a news conference on Saturday in Dubai. The US planemaker looks confident to book sales of its new 737 Max single-aisle jet at the show as Middle Eastern airlines are expanding very rapidly and need new aircraft. “We have a number of key opportunities we are focused on here in the region,” Bentrott said.

“We took our eyeballs especially on single aisles,” he said, adding: “I believe with the Max and with our relationships with our customers we are going to improve the overall market share for the single-aisle here in the region.” When asked specifically signing of any deal during the Dubai Airshow, Bentrott said: “No comments.” Boeing president for the Middle East Jeff Johnson also told this scribe that he cannot comment on any specific discussion and number.

Flydubai chief executive officer Ghaith Al Ghaith had previously expressed interest in Boeing’s new 737 MAX as well as the fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo. Flydubai, which launched operations in 2009, placed an order for 50 Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 2008, all of which are expected to be delivered by 2016.

Airbus is heavily sold out on the A320neo until well into 2021, so it’s unlikely flydubai will buy Airbus aircraft and wait for long deliveries, according to a senior aviation analyst.

“With the first 737Max not due to enter service until late 2017, flydubai may also order more of the existing 737-800 model to assist its continued growth plans. The airline is also a big proponent of the 737 Max 9, and it won’t be a surprise if that airplane is included in the mix,” Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at London-based StrategicAero Research, said.

• abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com