Flydubai keeps Boeing 737-10 as option after FAA certification
By Dubai Currents Staff1 min read
The Dubai low-cost carrier Flydubai has described the newly certified Boeing 737-10 as a candidate for its future fleet, following the US Federal Aviation Administration’s approval of the largest 737 MAX variant.
“We welcome the Federal Aviation Administration’s certification of the Boeing 737-10 aircraft, which remains an option for consideration as part of our long-term fleet development strategy,” a Flydubai spokesperson told Khaleej Times in a statement. “We continuously evaluate opportunities to diversify our fleet to support our future network development plans and operational requirements.”
FAA approval ends years of delays
The 737-10, first launched in 2017, secured FAA certification last week after multiple postponements of its entry into service. In July 2024, Flydubai said Boeing’s delivery delays had significantly affected the airline’s expansion plans.
In November 2025, the Dubai-based carrier signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing for 75 firm orders of 737 MAX aircraft, valued at USD 13 billion, plus options for another 75 jets.
Fleet and aircraft details
Flydubai currently operates a single-type fleet of 98 Boeing 737 aircraft, comprising 25 Next-Generation 737-800s, 69 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, and four Boeing 737 MAX 9s, according to its website.
The 737-10 typically seats between 185 and 210 passengers and has a range of up to 3,100 nautical miles (5,740 km). Boeing says the model offers the lowest seat cost in its category and a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel use compared with competitors, and that it can fly further than rival aircraft without auxiliary fuel tanks.
Boeing has reported that airlines have ordered 7,350 737 MAX airplanes to date, and that nearly 2,500 had been delivered as of September 2026.
US official statement
“After extensive safety reviews – including thousands of hours of test flights – the team at the FAA is ready to approve this critical aircraft for sale,” said Sean Duffy, the US Secretary of Transportation.
Flydubai’s spokesperson added: “We will announce any updates through our official channels once confirmed.”
