Flydubai fleet to cross 100 aircraft as it launches cabin retrofit programme

Dubai-based airline Flydubai is set to expand its fleet to over 100 planes this year, as it launches a cabin retrofit programme to enhance its premium travel offerings. The airline confirmed on Tuesday that it will receive seven Boeing 737-9 Max and four Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft, bringing its total to 106 jets. The new Boeing 737-9 Max aircraft are equipped with 16 business class and 156 economy class seats, while the 737-8 Max planes offer 10 business class and 165 economy class seats.

Flydubai's fleet modernisation strategy aims to meet growing demand for business class on international routes, capture high-yield traffic, and improve capacity utilization. The airline's CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, emphasized that the new aircraft and retrofit programme are crucial to their long-term strategy, providing the capacity and flexibility needed to support their expanding operations while maintaining one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies.

As part of the retrofit programme, which begins this month, 21 Boeing 737 Max aircraft currently fitted with recliner business class seats will be upgraded with lie-flat seats over the next year. Additionally, existing overhead bins will be replaced with larger ones, expanding cabin baggage capacity to accommodate up to six standard-sized bags, compared to four in standard bins.

These improvements in seat comfort and baggage space are part of Flydubai's ongoing investment in their product offering, alongside other enhancements such as lie-flat business class seats, new economy class seating, and improved in-flight entertainment.