Market Intelligence: -Airline Aircraft Orders

flydubai Signs 2025 agreement for 150 A321neo Aircraft

United Arab Emirates – flydubai has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for 150 A321neo aircraft, marking a significant fleet‑diversification move and making the carrier an Airbus customer for the first time.

  • The MoU was signed at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, with Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum of flydubai and Christian Scherer of Airbus present at the ceremony.

  • The A321neo family offers advanced fuel‑efficiency technology, including new‑generation engines and “Sharklets”, delivering over 20 % fuel and CO₂ savings compared to previous generation single‑aisle aircraft.

Statements

  • “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. 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.” – His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and CEO of flydubai.

  • “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.” – Christian Scherer, CEO Commercial Aircraft at Airbus.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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Dubai’s Emirates Expands 777X Commitment to 270 Aircraft with New Boeing Order

United Arab Emirates – Emirates has placed an additional order for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow, marking the airline’s third and largest follow-on commitment to the 777X programme. The agreement increases Emirates’ total 777X orderbook to 270 aircraft, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest customer of the next-generation twin-engine widebody.

  • Emirates’ previous two 777X orders totalled 205 aircraft across the 777-9 and 777-8 variants; the latest commitment expands the airline’s long-term fleet renewal and growth strategy.

  • The 777-9, set to become the world’s largest twin-engine jet, is designed to deliver a 20% reduction in fuel burn and emissions relative to earlier widebody aircraft, while offering improved cabin space, ride quality and onboard environment.

  • The signing ceremony included HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

  • Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts demand for nearly 3,000 new widebody aircraft in the Middle East over the next 20 years—a market segment where the 777X is positioned as a long-range, high-capacity solution.

Statements

  • “Emirates is already the world’s largest Boeing 777 operator, and we are expanding our commitment to the program today with additional orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s. This is a long-term commitment to our partnership with Boeing and to U.S. aerospace.” HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

  • “We are deeply honored that Emirates has once again selected the Boeing 777X to power its future as the airline refreshes its world-class fleet and expands its vaunted global network.” Stephanie Pope, President & CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Source: Emirates

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Ethiopian Airlines Orders 11 Additional Boeing 737-8 Aircraft at Dubai Airshow 2025

Ethiopia – Ethiopian Airlines has signed an agreement at the Dubai Airshow to purchase 11 additional Boeing 737-8 aircraft, strengthening its position as Africa’s largest Boeing operator and expanding its single-aisle fleet to support continental and international network growth. The commitment deepens a partnership between the airline and Boeing that spans nearly eight decades.

The deal reinforces Ethiopian Airlines’ status as the largest Boeing operator in Africa, with the biggest backlog of 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 aircraft on the continent.

Statements

  • “We are thrilled to be announcing our agreement with Boeing for additional 11 737-8 airplanes today during Dubai Airshow. The order will support our growth plans that we have set as part of our vision and strategy.” Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO, Ethiopian Airlines.

  • “Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to expand its 737 MAX fleet underscores its leadership in Africa. Our new agreement also strengthens our nearly 80-year partnership with the airline and region.” Brad McMullen, Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales & Marketing, Boeing.

Source: Boeing

 

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Emirates to Grow Active A380 Fleet to 110 in 2026

United Arab Emirates – Emirates has confirmed plans to expand its active Airbus A380 fleet to 110 aircraft by the end of 2026, reactivating additional airframes from long-term storage and committing to operate the type until 2041.

  • Emirates currently operates 95–96 A380s and will restore more frames after completing required maintenance and cabin upgrades.

  • Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates, confirmed that the airline intends to keep the A380 in service for another 16 years, with the final retirement targeted for 2041.

  • Emirates originally purchased 116 of the 251 A380s ever built and has recently acquired additional examples from long-term lessors to support long-term operational needs.

Source: Emirates

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Airbus Signs Korean Air as New A350F Customer via Conversion of 7 Aircraft in Orderbook

South Korea – Airbus has announced that Korean Air will convert seven of its existing A350‑1000 passenger aircraft orders to the all‑new A350F freighter, making Korean Air a new customer for the type.

  • The A350F is described as the only “all‑new large freighter” under development, and Korean Air’s selection is singled out by Airbus as a “very significant endorsement of the aircraft’s unique capabilities.”

  • As of the end of September 2025, the A350 family had accumulated 1,445 orders from 63 customers, including 65 for the A350F from 10 cargo carriers and one lessor.

  • Korean Air’s adjusted order book for the A350 family now stands at: 20 A350‑1000s, 7 A350Fs and 6 A350‑900s.

Source: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus

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