Boeing delivers the first 737 MAX 8 to flydubai

Boeing has now delivered the first 737 MAX 8 to flydubai, making it the first Middle Eastern carrier to operate this new single-aisle aeroplane. It’s the first of 76 737 MAX 8’s the airline will be adding to its all-Boeing fleet of Next-Generation 737’s.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, said: "We are delighted to receive our first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from our order made at the Dubai Airshow in 2013. "This marked the largest single-aisle Boeing aircraft order placed in the Middle East. With this new chapter, we are looking forward to continuing our work with Boeing as we benefit from increased efficiency and are able to offer an enhanced customer experience."

flydubai already operates 58 Next-Generation 737-800s, and is rapidly building up a huge international network of 95 destinations across 44 countries.

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"flydubai's growth in just nine years has been remarkable and Boeing is honored to have been part of this journey," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister. "This delivery marks another significant milestone in our partnership. We are confident that the market-leading efficiency and reliability of the 737 MAX will play a key role in flydubai's continued success and complement its current Boeing fleet."

The 737 MAX family has been designed to offer customers exceptional performance, flexibility and efficiency, with lower per-seat costs and an extended range that will open up new destinations in the single-aisle market.

"As the first MAX customer in the region, we look forward to the further fuel and operating efficiencies that this aircraft will bring to our young modern fleet," said Ken Gile, Chief Operating Officer, flydubai. "Our flight crew share our excitement in operating one of the most highly anticipated commercial aircraft to enter service on our network."

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, having accumulated over 3,800 orders to date from 89 customers worldwide.