flydubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 150 A321neo aircraft, marking a significant expansion step for the Dubai-based airline and formally establishing it as a new Airbus customer. The announcement was made on the second day of the Dubai Airshow 2025.
The MoU was signed by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, and Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, attended the ceremony.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum described the agreement as “another important milestone in flydubai’s journey,” emphasising that the decision supports Dubai’s long-term aviation and economic ambitions.
“This new agreement is not only about adding aircraft. It supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33,” he said. “This strategic addition diversifies our narrow-body fleet and strengthens our long-term expansion plans. This will enable flydubai to play a key role in the success of Dubai World Central’s expansion plans, an airport we aim to become the largest airport in the world.”
He added that the A321neo fleet will underpin the next phase of network development and help the carrier meet rising regional and international demand. “We look forward to establishing a strong and enduring partnership between flydubai and Airbus.”
Christian Scherer welcomed the airline to the Airbus family: “flydubai is one of the Middle East’s most ambitious and fast-growing carriers. The decision to invest in and introduce the A321neo into its fleet is another endorsement of the added value Airbus brings in terms of range, efficiency and passenger comfort. We look forward to supporting flydubai as it enables new growth and possibilities with our aircraft.”
The A321neo, part of the A320neo Family, incorporates new-generation engines, Sharklets and cabin efficiency features that deliver more than 20% fuel savings and reduced CO₂ emissions compared with previous single-aisle types. More than 7,200 A321neo aircraft have been ordered by nearly 100 customers worldwide as of October 2025.
Airbus notes that its A320 Family is already capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a target of achieving full 100% SAF capability by 2030.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: AIRBUS
