flydubai has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to acquire 150 A321neo aircraft, marking its first purchase from the European manufacturer. The agreement was formalized at the Dubai Airshow 2025, with His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, and Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus, signing the deal. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, also attended the ceremony.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum stated: “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, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”
He added: “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.”
“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 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 model is part of Airbus’s A320neo Family, which features new generation engines, Sharklets wingtip devices, and improved cabin design. These technologies contribute to over 20% fuel savings and reduced CO₂ emissions compared to previous single-aisle models.
As of October 2025, global orders for the A321neo have exceeded 7,200 units from nearly 100 customers worldwide.
Airbus notes that all its A320 Family aircraft can currently operate on up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with plans for full SAF capability by 2030.
