After Starlink WiFi, flydubai To Introduce A New Cabin Class

If you’ve flown flydubai before, you probably know the drill: easy fares, straightforward service, and no-frills efficiency. Now imagine all that with a touch more polish. That’s exactly what’s coming. As someone who tracks aviation updates, I can tell you that this shift is a significant development. flydubai is rolling out a brand-new Premium Economy cabin, officially confirmed during the Dubai Airshow 2025.

Flydubai Levels Up With Premium Economy Is Finally Joining The Party

And yes, this means flying a little fancier without going all the way to business class.

According to CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith, as mentioned in Simply Flying, the airline has locked in the layout for its next phase. Soon, flydubai’s Boeing fleet will feature three classes: business, premium economy, and economy. The goal is to match the rising expectations of travellers who want comfort but don’t want a jaw-dropping ticket price.

What The New Cabin Means For Travellers

This isn’t just another seat option. It puts flydubai in the rare regional group offering a dedicated premium economy cabin. For a brand that started in 2008 as an all-Boeing budget carrier, this is the kind of glow-up that comes from years of refinement rather than a sudden rebrand.

Fleet Growth And Longer Journeys

The upgrade comes alongside some massive aircraft orders announced at the Airshow. The airline is bringing in 150 Airbus A320neos and 75 Boeing 737 MAXs, with the possibility of 75 more. The total value comes up to $13 billion.

But here’s where things get really interesting: flydubai is preparing for the arrival of its first Boeing 787s in 2027. These wide-body jets will mark a major expansion in capability. Al Ghaith noted that even though the 787s will form a small part of the fleet, they’ll still carry serious strategic weight. The aircraft will push flydubai into new, longer routes, places their 737s simply can’t reach.

A Hybrid Airline For Dubai’s Market

Flydubai’s evolution hasn’t been an overnight makeover. The CEO describes it as a gradual shift shaped by trial, adjustment, and regional realities. The classic low-cost model doesn’t fit neatly here due to limited open-skies agreements and border restrictions. So, the airline grew into a hybrid: cost-efficient operations blended with upgraded services. Business class came first. Now, premium economy joins the lineup.

Also Read: After Emirates, flydubai Announces Free Starlink Wi-Fi For An Elevated Passenger Experience

Looking Ahead To The New Mega Airport

The timing couldn’t be better. Dubai’s mega hub, Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), is gearing up to take centre stage. By 2032, both flydubai and Emirates will operate under one roof. That means smoother transfers, faster connections, and fewer terminal hops.

For now, flydubai will keep operating mainly from Terminal 2 at DXB, easing into its future home at DWC before expanding in phases.

Cover Image Courtesy: flydubai/Website