Flydubai to place biggest aircraft order ever

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of Flydubai, which is owned by the UAE government, said on Tuesday that the company is in early talks with Boeing and Airbus regarding its largest aircraft order ever.

He added in an interview with Reuters at the Farnborough Air Show, "The last order we placed was for 175 aircraft, and this (next) will be the largest. I am sure of that."

Boeing delivery issues

This comes after Flydubai faced delays with Boeing deliveries. While Boeing is improving production at its 737 MAX factory, a top Boeing executive acknowledged that suppliers and airlines have reasons to be skeptical about the company's jet output forecasts.

Flydubai had announced the purchase of 175 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft back in 2017.

Dubai’s budget carrier reported a record-breaking $572 million profit in 2023Shutterstock

Airbus pursues new markets

Airbus is looking to grow in defense, space, and satellites. Despite some decline in airline profits, demand for new aircraft remains high.

Meanwhile, Boeing continues to face issues with building two delayed U.S. presidential aircraft, known as Air Force One. Flydubai, with over 125 Boeing 737 MAX planes on order, has urged Boeing to meet its delivery commitments.

The Farnborough Airshow

Aerospace leaders are gathering at the Farnborough Airshow in southern England amidst rising geopolitical tensions and supply chain challenges. Despite supply chain pressures and complaints about delivery delays, there was a surge in plane orders at the airshow on Tuesday.