Flydubai has signed an initial agreement with Boeing for 75 of its 737 Max narrow-bodies worth a total of $13 billion. It comes a day after the airline placed an order with Airbus for the first time.
The signing also includes options for 75 more aircraft, the airline said at the Dubai Airshow. Flydubai will use the planes for fleet growth and replacement of older aircraft.
“Looking ahead, proactive fleet planning is essential to ensuring we are well-placed to meet the rising demand for travel, a demand we are confident will continue to grow,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of flydubai, said.
“Reliable aircraft availability and timely deliveries are vital to the ongoing growth of our industry, and this agreement ensures we remain well-positioned for future growth, adding to the fleet as well as replacing current aircraft.”
The signing comes a day after flydubai bought longer-range, single-aisle A321 Neo planes from European rival plane maker Airbus. On Tuesday, flydubai signed an initial pact for 150 A321 Neos, in a departure for the previously all-Boeing operator.
The new Boeing deal allows flydubai the flexibility to choose among the variants of the 737 Max, the airline said. This will allow it to assess which size and range of the 737 Max 8, 737 Max 9 and the yet-to-be certified larger 737 Max 10 models will suit its growing network.
Wednesday's Boeing deal is flydubai's fourth 737 order. The airline placed its first wide-body order at the Dubai Airshow in 2023, for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets.
Flydubai currently operates a fleet of 96 Boeing 737 aircraft, made up of 27 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800s, 66 Boeing 737 Max 8s and three Boeing 737 Max 9 jets.
However, delays to deliveries of the 737 Max have frustrated the airline and slowed its growth as Dubai continues its ambitious tourism plans.
Flydubai has been investing in premium products and services to expand beyond the low-cost business model it established when it began in June 2009. Last year, the airline unveiled its business class lounge at Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport.
The airline expects to post another year of record profitability in 2025, chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith said at a media briefing on Wednesday. “We will do our best,” he said. This builds on record annual profits for the last four years.
Over the next 20 years, the Middle Eastern single-aisle fleet is projected to more than double, according to Boeing’s 2025 Commercial Market Outlook.
By 2044, the region's share of global passenger traffic will expand more than 10 per cent, fuelled by tourism, trade, hub development and an expanding middle class, it said. The Middle East's single-aisle fleet has nearly quadrupled over the past 25 years.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
West Asia rugby, season 2017/18 - Roll of Honour
Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons
West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
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EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
Avatar%20(2009)
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VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
RESULTS
Lightweight (female)
Sara El Bakkali bt Anisha Kadka
Bantamweight
Mohammed Adil Al Debi bt Moaz Abdelgawad
Welterweight
Amir Boureslan bt Mahmoud Zanouny
Featherweight
Mohammed Al Katheeri bt Abrorbek Madaminbekov
Super featherweight
Ibrahem Bilal bt Emad Arafa
Middleweight
Ahmed Abdolaziz bt Imad Essassi
Bantamweight (female)
Ilham Bourakkadi bt Milena Martinou
Welterweight
Mohamed Mardi bt Noureddine El Agouti
Middleweight
Nabil Ouach bt Ymad Atrous
Welterweight
Nouredine Samir bt Marlon Ribeiro
Super welterweight
Brad Stanton bt Mohamed El Boukhari
