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DUBAI — flydubai (FZ) is enhancing strategic growth and route network expansion with 12 new Boeing 737-8 aircraft to join the carrier in 2025. The airline has already received seven new 737 MAXs, with five more to be delivered by the end of this year.
The addition of new 737s will grow FZ’s total fleet to 95 aircraft at the end of 2025, supporting the carrier's growing network of over 135 destinations in 57 countries and further strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global 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, and despite receiving 12 aircraft this year, we remain 20 aircraft behind our original projections,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO at flydubai.
FlyDubai Fleet Financing
Positive response to the airline’s financing Request for Proposals (RFPs) and ability to secure strong and competitive financing for new aircraft has shown thrust and confidence that global financial institutions and lessors have in FZ’s business model and future perspectives.
Financing for delivered Boeing 737 MAX aircraft has been secured under Islamic funding from Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, conventional debt financing from The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah, and sale and leaseback transactions with JP Lease Products & Services Co. Ltd and JLPS Ireland Limited.
“The continued interest from our financing partners highlights the strength of our business model and our commitment to contributing to the UAE’s leadership in global aviation. Looking ahead, these aircraft will enable us to unlock new destinations, optimise our operations and play an even greater role in supporting Dubai’s growth as an international aviation hub,” commented Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO at flydubai.
FlyDubai Growing Network
Alongside new aircraft deliveries, FZ continues to expand its network with 11 new destinations introduced in 2025, including seasonal summer flights to Antalya, Al Alamein, Damascus, and Peshawar.
In Europe, an airline is set to introduce new flights to Chișinău and Iași from September and Vilnius and Riga from December, further strengthening the Dubai-based carrier's presence on the European market.
Boeing 737-800 NG Enhanced Experience
Parallel with new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft deliveries, the airline is investing in an elevated customer experience on Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft.
As part of the airline’s multimillion-dollar retrofit program, 23 Boeing 737-800 aircraft have undergone complete cabin renovation, with more aircraft to be retrofitted in 2026.
New cabin features include lie-flat seats in Business Class and exceptional in-flight entertainment in Economy Class, delivering a more comfortable experience to flydubai's passengers across the airline’s entire network.
FlyDubai Growing Strong
To support the airline’s strategic growth, the number of employees increased by 10% compared to 2024, reaching 6,500 people employed across different airline departments.
The airline has launched its new Ab Initio Pilot Training Program (MPL) to deliver high-quality training to student pilots who will play a key role in the airline’s growth in the future.
Featured image: Michael Rodeback/airways
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