Dubai-based carrier flydubai announced ambitious plans to hire over 130 pilots by the end of the year as part of its ongoing recruitment drive. The airline, which already boasts a diverse workforce of over 5,800 employees from more than 140 nationalities, has recruited over 440 new members this year, marking a 6% increase from 2023.
In addition to the recruitment push, flydubai is set to welcome seven new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to its existing fleet of 88 Boeing 737s. As of June 30th, Boeing’s data shows that the airline has already taken delivery of four aircraft this year, bringing the total number of new aircraft joining flydubai’s fleet in 2024 to 11. This is slightly fewer than the 13 aircraft delivered in 2023. However, with the new additions, flydubai will have a total of 127 MAX aircraft on order. The airline also made a significant order for 30 Boeing 787-9 widebody aircraft during the 2023 Dubai Airshow.
flydubai’s expansion is not limited to fleet and workforce growth; the airline is also enhancing its route network. This summer, flydubai will launch seven seasonal island destinations and add four new destinations to its network. This strategic expansion aims to improve connectivity to the Baltic region, complementing the codeshare agreement with Emirates and airBaltic, despite Emirates not flying directly to the Baltic region.
Recently, flydubai commenced services to Lahore in July and Islamabad in May. The airline plans to start flying to two new destinations in Iran, Kish Island and Kerman, from September 7th and 9th, respectively.
In a related development, fellow Dubai-based carrier Emirates announced an expansion of its cargo division, Emirates SkyCargo, with an order for five new Boeing 777F aircraft. These freighters will join Emirates’ fleet of dedicated freight aircraft, including Boeing 777Fs and Boeing 747-400Fs. The cargo division also utilizes belly capacity on the passenger fleet of Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s to provide global cargo connectivity.
Additionally, Emirates is set to receive its first Airbus A350-900s in the coming months, marking the first new passenger aircraft to join its fleet since the last Airbus A380 delivery in 2021.
Together, flydubai and Emirates will receive hundreds of new aircraft in the coming years, expanding their operations and networks. This collaborative growth will enhance connectivity from their hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB), offering passengers and cargo customers more options and better service.
