DUBAI – On Tuesday, FlyDubai announced a significant purchase of 150 Airbus A321 planes, marking a substantial growth move for the budget airline, which operates alongside the long-haul carrier Emirates.

The financial details of the deal were not disclosed. This acquisition represents a major expansion for FlyDubai, strengthening its position in the aviation sector.

This is a developing story. Below is an earlier report from AP.

In DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP), Etihad Airways, the long-haul airline based in Abu Dhabi, revealed plans to acquire 16 Airbus aircraft on Tuesday. This purchase is part of the airline’s strategy to broaden its operations in light of its improving economic situation.

The order encompasses six A330-900s, seven A350-1000s, and three A350F freighters, according to a joint announcement by the companies during a press briefing. Although the price of this transaction was not specified, it’s common practice for airlines to secure discounted rates on large orders.

Etihad made a record $476 million profit in 2024, part of a financial rebound for the Abu Dhabi-based airline. While still a slender profit compared to rival Emirates’ record profits of $5.2 billion in the last fiscal year, it continues a major turnaround for Etihad.

Abu Dhabi’s rulers launched Etihad in 2003, rivaling the established Dubai government-owned carrier Emirates, which boasts a larger fleet and a far-flung network.

Etihad struggled with its business plan and underwent cost-cutting measures even before the coronavirus pandemic. Since 2016, Etihad has lost some $6 billion as it has aggressively bought up stakes in airlines from Europe to Asia to compete against Emirates and Qatar Airways.

On Monday, Emirates ordered 65 of Boeing’s upcoming 777-9 aircraft worth at $38 billion at list prices.

Tim Clark, the president of Emirates, again acknowledged to journalists on Tuesday the delays that have plagued Boeing in getting the 777-9 to customers. However, he said he believed Emirates’ large purchase could see even President Donald Trump’s White House take note and push the manufacturer to finish the plane.

“I’m sure the White House will be leaning on Boeing to make sure it all works and they can get the things out of the doors quickly as they can, because it does mean jobs for everyone,” Clark said. “Particularly the 9X is going to be Seattle constructed, so all that sort of workforce in the northwest is almost secured now for decades.”

Clark also acknowledged Emirates and its lower-cost sister airline FlyDubai would be able to rapidly expand its routes with new aircraft once the sheikhdom drastically expands Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, where the air show takes place.

Dubai plans a $35 billion project to expand to five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, to be completed within the next decade.

“We’ll be able to reach any point on the planet,” Clark said.