FlyDubai kicked-off the Farnborough Airshow on Monday by announcing a $4.0 billion-deal for 54 single-aisle Boeing 737 passenger jets, as Gulf states reap the benefits of soaring oil prices. New low-cost carrier FlyDubai, announcing its first ever plane deal, said it had agreed a firm order for 50 737-800s from the US aerospace giant and the leasing of four more of the mid-range jets from Babcock and Brown Aircraft Management, for a total of 2.52 billion euros. “I am delighted to sign this announcement for 54 next-generation Boeing 737-800s on behalf of FlyDubai,” the group's chairman Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum said in a statement. The 737-800 can transport up to 189 passengers. The world's biggest aircraft manufacturers Boeing and its European rival Airbus gathered at Farnborough airfield outside London on Monday for the opening day of one of aviation industry's biggest events, also seeking orders for their fuel-efficient aircraft amid rocketing oil prices. Saudi Arabian Airlines has signed a firm contract with Airbus for eight A330-300 wide body aircraft, as part of its fleet modernization plan. The contract follows one for 22 Airbus A320s signed at the end of 2007, marking the first agreement between Saudi Arabian Airlines and Airbus for commercial aircraft in 26 years. With this latest contract, Saudi Arabian Airlines will benefit from the operational commonality and efficiency of a combined Airbus wide body and single aisle fleet. “The Airbus A330-300 is the right aircraft for our ambitious fleet renewal plans. The aircraft combines operational efficiency as well as cabin comfort for our customers, and will enable Saudi Arabian Airlines to meet rising passenger demand and expectations”, said Engineer Khalid Al-Molhem, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines. Previously, Saudi Arabian Airlines was the launch customer for the A300-600, which was first delivered to Saudi Arabian Airlines in 1984. “Saudi Arabian Airlines is one of the biggest and longest-established airlines in the Middle East, and Airbus is delighted to be part of the airline's extensive fleet modernization plan. Airbus is also delighted that this agreement re-enforces our partnership with Saudi Arabian Airlines after a long spell,” said Tom Enders, Airbus president and CEO The Airbus A330 remains the most economic means of flying some 300 passengers on medium range routes in true long haul comfort. A330 aircraft not only offer unbeatable economics, but in today's world where green issues are a concern, Saudi Arabian Airlines has chosen the world's most fuel efficient and productive aircraft on the market. With a true wide-body fuselage allowing very high comfort standards, the A330-300 is able to accommodate seat and class configurations to suit the diverse customer requirements. It has a range of up to 5,650 nm/10,500 km with a full passenger load. Highly efficient and optimized for the medium - to extended range market, the A330-300 offers the best balance between range and cost. The A330-300 remains the most economic means of flying on medium range routes in true long haul comfort. Since first delivery in 1993, total orders for the A330 family stand at over 900 aircraft, with over 530 currently in service around the world. The mid-range 737-800 can transport up to 189 passengers and FlyDubai will take delivery of its planes between 2009 and 2015. Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, formed FlyDubai in March. “This (Boeing) announcement is a major milestone in the development of FlyDubai,” the airline's chief executive Ghaith al Ghaith said on Monday. “Now that we have our aircraft on order, we can move on to the next stage of our development and look forward with anticipation to the start of our scheduled flights in the middle of next year.” For oil-producing Gulf states, such as the United Arab Emirates, rocketing fuel prices are presenting unexpected revenues with which to snap up new aircraft. Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, said Monday it had agreed to purchase 45 Boeing passenger jets worth $9.4 billion (5.9 billion euros). Etihad, which launched in 2003, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow that it was buying 35 mid-sized Dreamliner 787 jets - Boeing's new fuel-efficient aircraft - and 10 mid-sized Boeing 777s. “The new-generation Boeing aircraft we have ordered are among the most fuel efficient and will help maintain Etihad's fleet as one of the youngest and greenest in the sky,” Etihad chief executive James Hogan said in a statement issued following a press conference. Etihad said it would take delivery of the 777s in 2011 and Dreamliners in 2015. Oil-producing Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates are snapping up new aircraft thanks to extra revenues being earned from rocketing crude prices. Boeing was meanwhile expected to deliver its first-ever Dreamliner in the third quarter of 2009, after being beset by delays. The US group's first new model in more than a decade takes advantage of recent huge advances in aviation technology. Up to 50 percent of the primary structure of the plane - including the fuselage and wing - is made of composites such as carbon-fiber, which reduce its weight. Boeing, which aims to build some 2,000 Dreamliners over the next two decades, maintains that the jet will consume 20 percent less fuel than similar-sized planes already on the market. The Dreamliner will compete with Airbus' A350 plane.
