FlyDubai orders 54 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 planes

FlyDubai, the new low cost airline from Dubai , has placed an order for 54 Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft from Boeing. The order is valued at approximated US$4 billion and is termed as the biggest single order by a Gulf-based low cost carrier for the Boeing aircraft. According to FlyDubai, the deal comprises an order for 50 737-800 aircraft from Boeing and a separate leasing agreement with Babcock and Brown Aircraft Management for a further four Boeing 737-800s. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman of FlyDubai, who signed the deal, said, “the aircraft for which orders have been placed would ideally suit our core business, which is providing affordable, efficient and flexible options for people wishing to travel to and from Dubai.” The announcement was made at Farnborough Air Show.

Jim McNerney, Boeing Chairman, President and CEO, added: “Our relationship with the UAE is something we truly value and have worked to strengthen over time. FlyDubai’s order is the result of a thorough analysis of the contributions the Next-Generation 737 can make to FlyDubai’s innovative business model.”

The Boeing Chairman added that the 737-800 is an incredible incredible airplane, and that it would be instrumental in the success of FlyDubai. Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management (BBAM) manages the world’s fourth largest commercial jet fleet by value.

FlyDubai was formed by the Dubai Government in March 2008, to offer customers flexible travel options that are good value for money. According to Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive, FlyDubai, “the ability to make such a significant aircraft order highlights the confidence we have in the future of FlyDubai. Now that we have our aircraft on order, we can move on to the next stage of our development and look forward with anticipation to the start of our scheduled flights in the middle of next year.”

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft orderedis a single aisle aircraft configured with 189 Economy Class seats. It has a flying range of 4.5 hours, which will give FlyDubai access to an estimated 2 billion potential customers, FlyDubai sources said. FlyDubai intends to start scheduled flights in mid-2009.