The state-owned low-cost carrier flydubai agreed with the American manufacturer to reduce the number of the Boeing 737 narrow-body jets on order. The airline confirmed to the local media having cut the order by 65 jets.
The decision follows the airline’s update of strategy. flydubai is working on rebuilding its network which was adjusted to “the changing dynamics of the airline’s route structure” affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company used to be the second-largest customer airline for the Boeing 737 MAX in the world, after Southwest Airlines (LUV). flydubai initially placed an order for 75 737 MAX jets in 2013 and has been expanding the commitment year on year.
The airline previously had commitments to acquire a total of 251 aircraft of the type, of which 14 have already been added to the fleet. The airline took two 737 MAX 8s in June 2021 and expects to take a further 11 by the end of 2021.
To date, the Dubai-based air carrier operates an all-Boeing fleet, consisting of 50 aircraft, whose average age reaches 5.5 years. The company flies 36 Boeing 737-800s, 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, and 3 Boeing 737 MAX 9s.