Airbus looks ready to claim a significant advantage over Boeing in a landmark Flydubai aircraft order expected to be announced at the Dubai Airshow. According to people familiar with the matter, the European manufacturer is close to sealing a deal for roughly 100 A321neo jets.
If completed, the agreement would mark the first time Flydubai purchases aircraft from Airbus, breaking Boeing’s exclusive hold over the fast-growing Dubai-based budget carrier. Discussions between the airline and both manufacturers are continuing as the industry gathers for the November 17–21 summit.
Sources indicated that Airbus’ share could exceed 100 aircraft, though the final number will depend on negotiations expected to continue until the last moment. Flydubai is also in talks with Boeing for a smaller order of several dozen 737 MAX jets, maintaining a balanced fleet strategy.
Flydubai currently operates or has on order 175 Boeing 737 MAX planes, as well as 30 wide-body Boeing 787s. The airline has repeatedly stated its intention to place its largest-ever aircraft order, suggesting it planned to surpass its previous 175-jet deal signed in 2017.
Including options, Flydubai could secure access to hundreds of new narrow-body aircraft during this round of negotiations, signaling a major long-term expansion of its network. Analysts say a move toward Airbus would further strengthen the manufacturer’s lead in the market for high-demand narrow-body jets.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope noted on Sunday that the company’s focus at the Airshow would be on rebuilding trust after several corporate challenges, rather than aggressively chasing new orders. Meanwhile, Airbus has forecast that the Middle East’s aircraft fleet will more than double to 3,700 planes by 2044.
Industry observers believe Airbus has been gaining momentum ahead of the event, with recent geopolitical visits and market conditions favoring the European planemaker.
A breakthrough with Flydubai would represent a significant shift in regional airline dynamics and intensify the competition between Airbus and Boeing in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
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