AIRWAYS INTERVIEW Flydubai ’ s ( R ) evolution
FLYDUBAI ( FZ ) was the hottest topic at the 2023 Dubai Airshow , on its home turf . The Dubaibased airline broke news at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport ( DWC ), where the DAS takes place every two years , with a huge order for 30 Boeing 787-9s . The first twin-aisle airliner to join Flydubai ’ s fleet , the 787 will enable the airline to expand to long-haul destinations and optimize its current network .
Flydubai ’ s order was finalized on the first day of the DAS , following an order from Emirates ( EK ) for 90 more Boeing 777Xs and five more 787s . Some of the most influential people in the aviation world were sitting around the same table to expand the
UAE ’ s aviation industry ( Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates ; EK is one of two UAE flag carriers ).
The Emirates order was signed by Stanley Deal , Boeing Commercial Airplanes and CEO ; Henry Lawrence Culp , Jr ., GE ’ s Chairman and CEO ; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum , the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority President , Emirates Group CEO and founder , and Dubai World and Flydubai Chair ; and , last but not least , Ghaith al Ghaith , Flydubai ’ s CEO . The orders were signed under the eye of the Crown Prince of Dubai , His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum .
1 Flydubai ’ s Boeing 737- 8 at Dubai International . The airline uses Emirates terminal T3 for a few international flights , including Milan Bergamo . // PHOTO : SIMONE CHELLINI
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