Boeing and flydubai signed on Wednesday a record-breaking agreement for 225 737 MAX airplanes with a list price value of $27 billion. The agreement includes a commitment for 175 MAX airplanes and purchase rights for 50 additional MAXs. Also, Airbus reached a preliminary deal to sell 430 airplanes to Indigo Partners.
“We welcome the continuation of our long partnership with Boeing. Their airplanes have provided a foundation for the success of our business model, providing us with the operational flexibility and range to build a network of 95 destinations in 44 countries,” said flydubai Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
He added, “Understanding the demand for travel across our network, our innovative approach to our cabin design and developing a product unique to our market have allowed us to exceed our passengers' expectations in their flying experience.”
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Kevin McAllister said that “This record-breaking agreement builds on our strong partnership with flydubai and the other leading carriers of this region." He added: “With flydubai's proven business model and ambitious growth plans, we look forward to seeing these airplanes connecting Dubai with the rest of the world."
The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, having surpassed 4,000 total orders from 92 customers. flydubai placed its first order for 50 Next-Generation 737-800s in 2008. To date, flydubai has taken delivery of 63 737-800s and three 737 MAX airplanes.
“This has been a very successful show for Boeing,” said Bernard Dunn, president of Boeing’s regional office. “We signed agreements with key airline partners including Emirates, flydubai, Azerbaijan Airlines, ALAFCO, Ethiopian Airlines and Egyptair,” during Dubai Air Show 2017, he added.
Further, UAE Armed Forces purchased five C295 MW transport aircraft and related services from Airbus Defence and Space.
On the sidelines of Dubai Air Show 2017, Major General Ishaq Saleh al-Baloushi, the head of the executive administration of industries and development of defense capabilities at the Ministry of Defense and deputy chairman of the supreme organising committee for the event for operations, said that the purchase of the aircraft forms part of the UAE's push to support and promote the development of the Armed Forces.
Baloushi added that the commitment constitutes top national priority so that the Armed Forces remain at a high level of readiness to assume their responsibilities in defending the homeland and protecting its security and stability.
