Flydubai expands Boeing fleet despite delivery delays

Despite these setbacks, flydubai has continued to expand its network. The airline has introduced service to 11 new destinations so far this year and plans to add two more European routes each in September and December. Notably, it will become the first airline to operate flights from Dubai to Riga and Vilnius.

Recent additions to flydubai's route map include Antalya, Al Alamein, Damascus, and Peshawar. In total, the airline now serves over 135 destinations across 57 countries.

To support its growth strategy, flydubai aims to increase its workforce by about 10%, targeting a staff size of around 6,500 employees by year's end. The company has also launched an Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme (MPL) designed to train future pilots for its expanding fleet.

While most of flydubai’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft are over ten years old on average, passengers can expect updated onboard features; retrofits have equipped most with lie-flat business class seats and in-flight entertainment systems.

Looking ahead, flydubai has ordered an additional thirty widebody jets from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner series at the 2023 Dubai Airshow. However, there are questions regarding whether deliveries will occur as scheduled by 2026 due to industry-wide delays. Nevertheless, industry observers note that flydubai appears positioned for continued growth as Dubai further establishes itself as an international aviation hub.

"The arrival of these new aircraft is a testament to our long-term strategic vision and our confidence in the future of air travel. Our fleet investment supports our mission to offer greater choice, enhanced convenience, and improved connectivity for our passengers."

"These deliveries are part of a backlog extensively delayed in recent years." He says that this means that "despite receiving 12 aircraft this year,[flydubai remains]20 aircraft behind [its] original projections.”

flydubai proudly notes that it "has added 11 new destinations this year." Later on,"September and December will see it add two new European routes apiece,"with the airline becoming"the first to fly from Dubai to Riga and Vilnius."

"the airline has also launched its new Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme (MPL)to shape students into future pilots"for its growing fleet.

It looks set to "play an even greater role in supporting Dubai’s growth as an international aviation hub."