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Dubai’s flydubai is embarking on a unique expansion strategy, exploring potential routes for its upcoming Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. With the first deliveries of these new widebodies scheduled within the next two years, the airline’s CEO has hinted at the possibility of Australian cities joining flydubai’s route map, a move that would set it apart from competitors and potentially attract new investors.
Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, all of which have strong presences in Australian cities, already traverse the Middle Eastern skies. Yet flydubai is optimistic about carving out its niche in this competitive landscape, bringing a fresh perspective to the Middle East-Australia corridor.
The airline’s ambition is backed by an order of 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners placed at the Dubai Airshow in November 2023, with the first of these birds expected to join the fleet by 2026. These new aircraft promise to extend flydubai’s reach well beyond the limits set by its exclusive fleet of Boeing 737s. The 737 MAX 8s, already operating at the edge of their range with destinations like Pattaya, Penang, and Zurich, will be complemented by the twin-aisle Dreamliner, capable of connecting passengers to more distant locales.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, the visionary CEO of flydubai, shared his strategic vision for the 787s at the Arabian Travel Market event in Dubai. “The primary objective of the Boeing 787 will be to extend our reach to new markets,” he declared. The Dreamliners’ impressive range could soon bridge the gap between the Middle East and cities across Europe, Asia, and the Australian continent. This vision will surely capture industry professionals’ attention.
flydubai has been gradually transitioning from its low-cost roots. It now offers a business-class experience and aligns more closely with its sister airline, Emirates. This includes shared loyalty programs and codeshare agreements, enhancing the value proposition for its customers.
In a notable revelation, Al Ghaith also teased the introduction of a premium economy cabin on flydubai flights with the arrival of the 787s. This move mirrors Emirates’ premium economy offerings launched in 2023.
However, amidst the excitement, a note of caution was sounded regarding the new fleet’s delivery timeline, with Al Ghaith acknowledging the potential for delays that could push back the 2026 service entry date.
As flydubai prepares to welcome its new Dreamliners, the industry is poised for a significant shift. The addition of Australian destinations would bring new capacity to an already bustling market and potentially reshape the competitive landscape, especially with the expected entry of Riyadh Air in 2025.
Currently operating a fleet of 86 Boeing 737 aircraft with an order backlog of over 130 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft due by 2035, flydubai has come a long way since its first Boeing order in 2008. With a network now spanning more than 120 destinations in 54 countries, the airline’s growth trajectory seems set to continue, reaching new heights and shores with its Dreamliner fleet.
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