Dubai-based carrier flydubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to acquire 150 A321neo aircraft, marking the airline’s debut as an Airbus customer. The deal was signed during the 2025 Dubai Airshow by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, together with Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus; flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith was also present.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “We are pleased to announce a landmark agreement for 150 A321neo aircraft, representing another important milestone in flydubai’s journey. This new agreement is not only about adding aircraft. It supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum … and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.” He added that the 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 further remarked: “The A321neos will support the next phase of our network development and enable us to meet rising demand across our markets. We look forward to establishing a strong and enduring partnership between flydubai and Airbus.”
Christian Scherer welcomed the agreement and commented: “We welcome flydubai, one of the Middle East’s most ambitious and fast‑growing carriers, as a new Airbus customer. 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 — features new‑generation engines, aerodynamic improvements such as Sharklets, and cabin efficiency enhancements. Together, these technologies deliver more than 20 % fuel savings and CO₂ emission reductions compared with earlier single‑aisle aircraft. As of late October 2025, over 7,200 A321neo units have been ordered by nearly 100 customers worldwide.
This agreement signals a major shift in flydubai’s fleet strategy. Until now, the airline operated exclusively Boeing narrow‑body jets; the introduction of Airbus aircraft marks a diversification move likely driven by fleet‑planning logic, delivery outlooks and long‑term growth ambitions. With Dubai’s aviation strategy and the planned expansion of Dubai World Central (DWC) airport, flydubai appears poised to expand its network and capacity significantly.
By incorporating the A321neo — with its improved efficiency and range — flydubai enhances its ability to serve existing routes more economically and to open new destinations, matching anticipated demand across the Middle East, Europe, Asia and beyond. The modern single‑aisle aircraft may also support competitive pressure on pricing, while offering passengers better comfort and airlines better operational flexibility.
Source: Airbus
