Boeing and flydubai have announced an order for 75 737 MAX 8s and 11 Next-Generation 737-800s, valued at $8.8 billion at list prices.

In addition, the airline retains purchase rights for 25 more 737 MAXs.

The order was first announced as a commitment at the 2013 Dubai Airshow, making it Boeing’s largest single-aisle airplane order in the Middle East.

Commenting on the order, flydubai chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “Last year was a tremendous year for flydubai.

“We have launched 16 new routes, delivered profitability in just three years of operation and launched our Business Class service.

“The confirmed order for 75 737 MAXs and 11 Next-Generation 737-800s signifies the maturing of the airline and the strength of our business model as well as support flydubai’s ambitious growth.”

The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

Airlines operating the 737 MAX will see a 14 per cent fuel-use improvement over today’s most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplanes.

“The order is a tremendous endorsement of the ongoing popularity and reliability of the Next-Generation 737-800 and the unsurpassed fuel efficiency that the 737 MAX will offer in the single aisle market,” said Marty Bentrott, vice president, sales, Middle East, Russia & Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“We are very proud to be partners in flydubai’s success and that the airline will continue its expansion with an all-Boeing fleet.”

Development of the 737 MAX is on schedule with firm configuration of the airplane achieved in July 2013.

First flight is scheduled in 2016 with deliveries to customers beginning in 2017.

Already a market success, the 737 MAX has accumulated more than 1,700 orders to date and will have eight per cent per-seat lower operating costs than the future competition.