flydubai to add lie-flat seats as fleet surpasses 100 aircraft
Eleven new aircraft are due to join the carrier’s fleet in 2026
DUBAI – Dubai-based flydubai is set to expand its fleet beyond 100 aircraft in 2026 while introducing a major upgrade to its Boeing 737 MAX cabins.
The airline will take delivery of 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft during the year, adding capacity as it continues to expand its network. At the same time, flydubai will begin a new retrofit programme in September, bringing lie-flat Business Class seats and larger overhead storage to selected aircraft.
The expansion comes as the carrier marks the milestone of reaching a fleet of more than 100 aircraft. The planned deliveries include seven Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft and four Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, supporting flydubai’s longer-term fleet modernisation strategy.
Fleet growth
The new aircraft are intended to replace older jets while giving flydubai greater flexibility to increase capacity on high-demand routes and expand its network. The carrier said the next-generation aircraft will also support its focus on operating a younger and more fuel-efficient fleet.
The Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft joining the fleet will feature 16 Business Class seats and 156 Economy Class seats. This compares with 10 Business Class seats on some of flydubai’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft.
The higher premium-seat capacity will allow the airline to respond to demand for Business Class on key international routes while providing greater flexibility in deploying capacity across its existing flight frequencies.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, described surpassing 100 aircraft as a significant milestone for the airline and said the deliveries would provide additional capacity and flexibility to support its expanding operations.
He also highlighted the airline’s continued investment in its existing aircraft, with the new retrofit programme designed to enhance the onboard experience alongside the arrival of new jets.
Cabin upgrades
Beginning in September, flydubai will retrofit 21 aircraft over the following 12 months. The jets currently feature recliner Business Class seats and will receive the airline’s signature lie-flat Business Class seats, giving passengers an upgraded seating option on the affected aircraft.
The retrofit will also introduce Boeing’s larger Space Bins, increasing overhead storage capacity inside the cabin. The bins can accommodate up to six standard-sized bags, compared with four in a standard overhead bin.
The larger storage units are expected to provide additional cabin baggage capacity while helping streamline the boarding process as passengers stow their belongings.
The programme builds on flydubai’s previous multimillion-dollar investment to refresh its Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 fleet. That earlier programme included lie-flat Business Class seats, new Economy Class seats and inflight entertainment.
Wider investment
The latest cabin work is part of flydubai’s broader investment in its onboard product and operational capabilities. Alongside aircraft and cabin improvements, the airline is continuing to invest in technology, training and engineering infrastructure as it prepares for further growth.
As the 11 new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are delivered during 2026, flydubai’s fleet will move beyond the 100-aircraft mark, while the 21-jet retrofit programme will progressively introduce upgraded Business Class seating and larger storage facilities across its existing MAX fleet.