flydubai CEO unveils plans for premium economy cabins on upcoming wide-body fleet

Dubai: flydubai is expected to debut a three-class configuration — including premium economy — on its upcoming fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow, CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith confirmed the plans, saying, “We have finalised the cabin layout and will have three classes — business, premium economy and economy.”

He explained that the new setup aims to meet rising passenger expectations as the airline transitions into a more rounded offering.

The move will place flydubai among the few regional operators offering a dedicated premium economy cabin.

The announcement comes on the back of two bumper aircraft orders flydubai made during the Airshow this year, including one for 150 Airbus A320neos and 75 (firm) orders for Boeing 737 MAXs, with options for 75 more, valued at $13 billion.

Expanding horizons with Boeing 787s

The airline, which has been an all-Boeing carrier since its inception in 2008, intends to take delivery of the first of its wide-body jets in late 2027, forming part of a long-term order stretching across several years.

Al Ghaith said the 787s will “play a very important role” despite forming “a small but strategic part of the fleet.”

He added that the aircraft will allow flydubai to “reach new places all over the world,” particularly on longer routes that stretch beyond the range of its Boeing 737 fleet.

Moving beyond the ‘low-cost’ label

Reflecting on the airline’s transformation, Al Ghaith described flydubai’s business model as an evolution rather than a sudden shift. “It was not like one day we turned on the light and said we are no longer low-cost. It happened gradually — through trial and error,” he said.

He insisted that the concept of a traditional low-cost airline “does not work in this region” due to market restrictions and operating constraints, such as limited open skies agreements. “Europe and America are one market; here we have borders. It is not the same.”

Today, flydubai combines cost-efficient operations with added services such as business class and soon, premium economy — creating what Al Ghaith calls a “hybrid model that reflects Dubai’s market.”

Preparing for the new Dubai airport

The carrier is also readying for significant changes at Dubai’s airports. With the new Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) set to become the city’s primary hub, flydubai and Emirates plan to move “under one roof” by 2032.

“Imagine moving from one aircraft to another without changing terminals — the potential is huge,” said Al Ghaith. For now, the airline operates primarily from Terminal 2 at Dubai International but plans to “start modestly” at DWC before expanding.