Airbus SE is positioned for a significant strategic victory at this year’s Dubai Air Show, with negotiations indicating the European planemaker may secure the majority of a major order previously expected to go largely to Boeing Co.
The deal, involving Flydubai, represents a potentially historic shift in purchasing patterns for the fast-growing budget carrier, which has long sourced aircraft exclusively from Boeing, reported Bloomberg.
Flydubai order momentum shifts toward Airbus
According to the report, Airbus is close to securing roughly 150 commitments for its A320-family aircraft in a major breakthrough for the manufacturer.
Boeing, meanwhile, is expected to receive about 50 firm orders, along with options for an additional 50 from a previous agreement.
Negotiations remain fluid, and sources cautioned that final details may change as discussions continue through the air show.
A separate Reuters report suggests Airbus is nearing a deal for about 100 A321neo jets for Flydubai, while the carrier is simultaneously exploring a smaller supplemental order of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
Airbus’ share of the deal could exceed 100 jets, depending on how negotiations conclude.
Capturing Flydubai as a customer would mark a milestone moment for Airbus, breaking Boeing’s exclusive hold on one of the world’s leading buyers of the 737 MAX.
The airline currently has 175 MAX aircraft either in service or on order, along with 30 Boeing 787s.
Flydubai has previously said it is preparing its largest-ever fleet order, greater than the 175 MAX purchase announced in 2017, suggesting that total commitments secured this week could grant the carrier access to hundreds of jets over time.
Wider industry dynamics shape air show expectations
The shift toward Airbus comes despite Boeing initially retaining an advantage in the lead-up to the show.
The tide turned after Flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith engaged in late-stage discussions with Airbus leadership in Toulouse and again on the eve of the Dubai Air Show.
Analysts have anticipated a strong performance by Airbus at the air show, noting that Boeing benefited earlier this year from a series of high-profile order announcements following a visit to the Gulf by US President Donald Trump.
Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope signaled the company is prioritizing discussions with airlines about its recovery from recent corporate crises, rather than maximizing new orders during the event.
Airbus projects strong long-term growth in Middle East market
Alongside its commercial order negotiations, Airbus outlined an upbeat long-term outlook for the Middle East aviation sector.
The company expects the region’s aircraft fleet to expand to 3,700 planes by 2044, more than double current levels.
Passenger traffic is forecast to rise at a compound annual growth rate of 4.4% over the next two decades, according to Airbus Head of Marketing for Africa and the Middle East Grainne van den Berg.
Airbus estimates that the Middle East services market will double to nearly $30 billion over the same period.
Widebody aircraft are projected to represent 42% of total demand by 2044, the highest share for any region globally.
Gabriel Semelas, Airbus President for Africa and the Middle East, said the region is “becoming the long-haul hub now and into the future,” underscoring the strategic importance of securing orders from carriers such as Flydubai, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines—all of which Airbus continues to court.
The Dubai Air Show runs through November 21, with final announcements expected as negotiations continue.
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