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Flydubai to introduce new routes focusing on longer-haul traffic with 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners

Upon acquiring 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners valued at $11 billion, flydubai plans to introduce new routes focusing on longer-haul traffic. The Dubai carrier finalized the order with the American OEM during the Dubai Airshow. CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith envisions incorporating the wide-body aircraft into the fleet by 2026.

The strategic emphasis will be on expanding routes and addressing capacity limitations on existing ones, according to Al Ghaith. He mentioned, “Some will address capacity shortages on existing routes. By 2026, when we receive these aircraft, we anticipate enhanced flexibility in deploying them where needed, especially on routes currently facing capacity constraints,” Al Ghaith told Gulf News. However, a majority of the routes will be new. He added, “The globe will be our destination; we can go anywhere.”

“We are confident in the evolution of Dubai’s traffic composition over the past decade, anticipating further growth and change. This dynamic environment offers us ample room to expand and explore new destinations globally,” he said.

The airline currently operates to over 115 destinations across the globe. The CEO also said flydubai is committed to serving from Dubai International Airport and the city’s second hub in Dubai World Central (DWC), depending on their growth plans.

Speaking about whether the new aircraft would raise flydubai’s air ticket prices, Al Ghaith said, “We are committed to providing a diverse range of options for our passengers. Whether they are seeking budget-friendly prices or the full-service experience, we ensure that all types of travelers have the opportunity to fly with us.”

The Dubai carrier has been moving away from the low-cost carrier (LCC) or budget model for some time, and the acquisition of the 30 Dreamliners gives the airline a competitive edge, along with Dubai’s flagship airline, Emirates, to serve customers worldwide. Emirates shares a codeshare agreement with flydubai, and its combined operations give travelers access to over 200 destinations. Moreover, the airline also offers Business Class seats to customers.

In an earlier interview with Gulf News, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said he hoped the two teams would find a way to collaborate more than they already are. “I would always approve of it. For me, Emirates and flydubai are one,” he said.

Commenting on why the airline started operating the wide-body aircraft, Al Ghaith said acquiring the aircraft aligns with flydubai’s growth. “By the time we receive the planes, we’ll be 18 years old as an airline, marking a significant milestone. This maturity period presents an excellent opportunity for expansion,” he added. On Tuesday, the airline also signed an agreement for a purpose-built $190 million (Dh697.3 million) maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Dubai South.

Al Ghaith also said the airline looks forward to a solid fourth quarter, with strong forward bookings that continue until summer next year.