flydubai orders 54 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800s

flydubai, a new low cost airline which was formed by the Dubai Government in March 2008, has signed an historic order for 54 Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft from Boeing.

The order is valued at approximated $4bn at today's list prices and marks the biggest single order by a Gulf-based low cost carrier for the Boeing aircraft.

The deal comprises a firm order for 50 aircraft from Boeing and a separate leasing agreement with Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management for a further four Boeing 737-800s.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, who signed the deal, said, "I am delighted to sign this announcement for 54 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800s on behalf of flydubai. This aircraft is ideally suited to our core business, which is providing affordable, efficient and flexible options for people wishing to travel to and from Dubai."

Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management (BBAM) manages the world's fourth largest commercial jet fleet by value. Steve Zissis, President of BBAM, said, "We are delighted to form a partnership with flydubai and provide support for the government of Dubai at the very foundation of this exciting new airline, which continues the incredible growth of the aviation industry in Dubai."

The 737-800 is a single aisle aircraft configured with 189 Economy Class seats. It has a flying range of 4.5 hours, which will give flydubai access to an estimated 2 billion potential customers.

flydubai, which aims to start scheduled flights mid-2009, has retained substitution rights to convert the 737-800s into 737-900ERs (extended range) in the future. The low-cost airline's operations will be entirely separate from Emirates Airline.

To date, 116 customers have ordered more than 4,800 Next-Generation 737s. Boeing has more than 2,200 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 valued at more than $160 billion at current list prices.

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