flydubai signs mega deal for 150 Airbus A321neos at Dubai Airshow

Dubai: Dubai-based carrier flydubai has signed a landmark agreement to purchase 150 Airbus A321neo aircraft during the Dubai Airshow, marking the first time the airline has placed an order with French planemaker Airbus.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Dubai Airshow 2025 by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of flydubai, and Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.

The Airbus A321neo (new engine option) is the latest and best-selling large single-aisle aircraft from Airbus, part of the A320 family. 

Sheikh Ahmed said the purchase supports the airline’s long-term expansion plans. flydubai’s adoption of the Airbus A321neo family represents an important pivot from its historic all-Boeing fleet, driven in part by delays in Boeing 737 Max deliveries.

The airline has been facing ongoing delivery delays with Boeing 737 aircraft, impacting its expansion plans. As of 2025, flydubai has increased its fleet of Boeing 737 to 93 aircraft with deliveries continuing but remains behind schedule by about 20 aircraft compared to original projections.

In addition, flydubai recently ordered 30 Boeing 787-9 wide-body aircraft to expand its long-haul operations.

“This new agreement is not only about adding aircraft,” said Sheikh Ahmed. “It supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. It diversifies our narrow-body fleet and strengthens our long-term expansion plans.”

He also highlighted flydubai’s role in supporting Dubai World Central’s – which is undergoing a $35 billion expansion, aiming to make it the largest airport in the world. In earlier interviews with Gulf News, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths had hinted that flydubai may be among the first airlines to move their operations to the mega hub.

“As we prepare for the first phase of the Dubai World Central expansion to be completed by 2032, flydubai will continue to play its part in making Dubai an aviation hub,” Sheikh Ahmed said. “The A321neo is truly an efficient aircraft, and we are excited to welcome it into our fleet in the next few years.”

Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, who made a friendly quip at the airline and asked the flydubai executives gathered –“what took you so long?”

“We are absolutely delighted and gratified to be able to make this announcement at the Dubai Airshow. We look forward to serving you and supporting your great ambitions in the future,” Scherer added.

The A321neos will expand flydubai’s network and help meet rising demand with improved efficiency and passenger comfort.

In a related development at the Dubai Airshow, Etihad Airways also announced a significant Airbus widebody order, acquiring six A330neos and additional A350 aircraft, further cementing Airbus's presence in UAE aviation.