Airbus secured a landmark order from flydubai on Day 2 of the Dubai Airshow, when the Dubai World Central-based carrier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to purchase 150 A321neos, making it Airbus’ newest customer.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, signed the MoU agreement with Christian Scherer, Airbus’s CEO Commercial Aircraft, at the signing ceremony alongside Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai.
HH 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, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33,”
flydubai currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 737-800s and Max 8s, and has the Max 9 on order.
Widebody Business
There was also good news for Airbus on the widebody side, with Etihad Airways becoming the latest A330neo customer, ordering six A330-900s. Etihad also disclosed an order for seven additional A350-1000s, bringing its total for the type to 27 and three additional A350Fs, bringing its commitment for the freighter to 10.
Spanish airline Air Europa also weighed in on the widebody market, signing an MoU for up to 40 A350-900 aircraft in order to accelerate its renewal of its long-haul operation.
“This order is a strategic milestone in Air Europa’s fleet development, accelerating its profitable growth by renewal of the current widebody fleet,” said Juan Jose Hidalgo, President of Air Europa. “The A350-900 is a game-changer for key destinations in Latin America. It provides an exceptional cabin experience and the operational performance and economics needed to expand the airline’s network without compromise, delivering the highest standards in air travel.”
Ethiopian Airlines also cemented its position as the largest A350 operator in Africa by adding six A350-900s to its fleet through a firm order.
Mr Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to expand our Airbus fleet size with this order and strengthen our partnership with the Airbus company. As the continent’s leading airline and the largest operator of the A350, this milestone order further supports our vision to grow sustainably while providing a world-class travel experience to our passengers and strengthening our position as the aviation leader in Africa.”