‍DUBAI — flydubai (FZ) has signed a significant agreement with GE Aerospace for 60 GEnx-1B engines, alongside spare units and a long-term services package, to power the carrier’s first-ever widebody fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The deal was announced during the Dubai Airshow 2025 and marks a significant step in flydubai’s upcoming move into long-haul operations.

The engine order supports flydubai’s broader growth strategy as the airline diversifies beyond its current all-737 fleet. Established in 2008, the Dubai-based carrier has expanded rapidly to serve more than 135 destinations across 57 countries, and is now preparing to add long-haul routes to its network.

GE’s GEnx-1B was selected for its strong track record in performance, durability, and fuel efficiency—key traits for carriers operating in the Gulf’s demanding hot-and-harsh environments.

More than two-thirds of 787s in service today are powered by GEnx engines, which have collectively logged over 62 million flight hours since entering service in 2011. Like all GE commercial engines, they are certified to operate on approved sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blends.

Leadership Comments

Ghaith Al Ghaith, flydubai CEO, said the new engine deal reinforces the carrier’s long-term vision: “The performance and durability of our engines play an integral role in the success of our operations and expansion plans, especially as we prepare to welcome the Boeing 787 to our fleet. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with GE Aerospace as we embark on the next chapter of growth.”

Russell Stokes, President and CEO of Commercial Engines and Services at GE Aerospace, added: “We are honored by flydubai’s trust in GE Aerospace technology as the airline enters its next phase of growth. The GEnx engines will deliver the reliability and efficiency needed to power flydubai’s first widebody fleet.”

Expanding the Partnership

flydubai’s original order for 30 Dreamliners was placed at the 2023 Dubai Airshow, marking the airline’s first step into widebody operations after more than a decade of exclusively flying narrowbody Boeing jets. The arrival of the 787-9s will enable new long-haul destinations and additional capacity on high-demand markets.

GE Aerospace maintains a longstanding presence in the UAE with more than 240 employees and multiple facilities spanning engineering, testing, MRO support, and on-wing services—further positioning the manufacturer to support flydubai’s upcoming expansion.

Stay tuned to Airways for exclusive coverage from our team on the grounds at the Dubai Airshow 2025 #DAS2025.