flydubai Partners with GE Aerospace to Power Its First Widebody Fleet

flydubai, Dubai’s homegrown airline, has taken a major step in its expansion journey by signing a landmark agreement with GE Aerospace for 60 GEnx-1B engines to power its first widebody fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The deal, unveiled at the Dubai Airshow 2025, also includes spare engines and a long-term services package to support the airline’s entry into long-haul operations.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in flydubai’s growth strategy, enabling the carrier to boost capacity on existing routes and serve a rapidly expanding passenger base. Since its launch in 2008, flydubai has grown to connect more than 135 destinations across 57 countries, and the introduction of long-haul aircraft is the next step in its global ambitions.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: "flydubai has always aimed to make travel more accessible through Dubai’s global aviation hub. The performance and reliability of our engines are vital as we prepare to welcome the Boeing 787 to our fleet. We are excited to partner with GE Aerospace as we embark on this next chapter of growth."

Russell Stokes, President and CEO of Commercial Engines and Services at GE Aerospace, added:
"We are honoured by flydubai’s trust in our technology. The GEnx engines are designed for efficiency, durability, and reliability, making them the perfect powerplant for the airline’s first widebody fleet. We look forward to supporting flydubai’s expansion plans."

flydubai’s widebody order, first placed at the 2023 Dubai Airshow, diversifies the airline’s all-Boeing 737 fleet and positions it for the growing long-haul market. The Boeing 787-9, known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, allows flydubai to meet evolving customer needs while exploring new international destinations.

The GEnx engine family, in service since 2011, has accumulated over 62 million flight hours and powers two-thirds of all Boeing 787 aircraft globally. Its compatibility with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) aligns with both flydubai’s and the UAE’s sustainability goals.

With a presence in the UAE for over 40 years, GE Aerospace supports the country with more than 240 employees, offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and advanced maintenance, testing, and technology facilities designed for the region’s unique operating environment.

This partnership signals a new era for flydubai, combining cutting-edge technology and strategic growth to expand its footprint in long-haul aviation.