Buraq Air Signs MoU for 10 Airbus A320neo Aircraft at Dubai Airshow

Buraq Air Signals Fleet Renewal with Airbus Commitment at Dubai Airshow 2025

In a significant development for the North African aviation sector, Buraq Air has formally announced its intention to modernize its fleet through a new agreement with Airbus. On November 19, 2025, during the Dubai Airshow, the Libyan carrier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 10 A320neo Family aircraft. This move marks a potential turning point for the airline, which is Libya’s first private carrier, as it seeks to transition its operations toward a more modern and efficient fleet structure.

The agreement was finalized by Fouzi Almiqalh, President of the General Assembly of Buraq Air, and Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, Executive Vice President of Sales for Commercial Aircraft at Airbus. While the deal currently stands as a Memorandum of Understanding, a non-binding agreement that typically precedes a firm order, it signals a strong strategic intent from the airline to invest heavily in new technology. The commitment aligns with broader trends in the region where carriers are looking to upgrade aging fleets to improve fuel efficiency and passenger experience.

This announcement represents a notable shift in Buraq Air’s operational strategy. Historically, the airline has relied on Boeing aircraft, specifically the 737-400 and 737-800 models. However, in the year leading up to this announcement, the carrier began testing the Airbus platform by leasing used A320 aircraft. This MoU suggests that the trial period was successful and that the airline is now prepared to commit to Airbus for its long-term fleet requirements.

Strategic Implications and Operational Synergies

A primary driver behind this commitment appears to be the deepening partnership between Buraq Air and Medsky Airways. The press release regarding the announcement explicitly notes that the new fleet is intended to provide a “seamless platform for Medsky Airways.” Medsky, a newer entrant in the Libyan market established around 2022, maintains a close operational alliance with Buraq. By standardizing their fleets around the A320neo Family, both airlines could theoretically streamline their logistics, sharing pilot pools, maintenance resources, and technical support, which would result in significant cost reductions.

The choice of the A320neo Family offers Buraq Air considerable flexibility regarding route expansion. The aircraft are slated to support both domestic operations and international connections. Currently, the airline serves key domestic hubs such as Tripoli (Mitiga), Benghazi, Tobruk, and Labraq. Internationally, the network includes destinations like Tunis, Istanbul, Alexandria, and Jeddah. The improved range and efficiency of the A320neo variants could allow the airline to explore further destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, pending regulatory approvals and airspace conditions.

This move also places Buraq Air in direct competition with other modernizing forces within the Libyan aviation sector. For instance, Berniq Airways, another private Libyan carrier, placed an order for six Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft in May 2024. The parallel moves by these private entities indicate a competitive race to dominate the recovering market by offering superior hardware and reliability compared to legacy state-owned carriers, which have faced operational difficulties due to years of regional instability.

“This agreement represents a significant step forward for Buraq Air… The A320neo’s efficiency and flexibility will not only be central to strengthening our core network but will also provide a seamless platform for Medsky Airways, our key strategic partner.”

— Fouzi Almiqalh, President of the General Assembly of Buraq Air.

Technical Specifications and Market Context

The “A320neo Family” designation in the MoU allows Buraq Air the option to select between the standard A320neo and the larger A321neo. Both models feature the “Airspace” cabin, which provides wider seats, larger overhead storage, and modern lighting systems. These features represent a substantial upgrade in passenger comfort compared to the older generation Boeing 737s previously operated by the airline. While the specific engine choice, between CFM International’s LEAP-1A and Pratt & Whitney’s GTF, has not been disclosed, the selection will be critical for operations in Libya’s demanding high-temperature and dusty environment.

From a manufacturer’s perspective, this agreement reinforces Airbus’s growing footprint in North Africa. The company has been actively engaging with Libyan stakeholders to assist in the rebuilding of the country’s aviation infrastructure. Securing a commitment from a legacy private carrier like Buraq Air validates the A320neo’s position as a preferred single-aisle aircraft for airlines operating in recovering markets where efficiency and reliability are paramount.

It is important to note that as this is an MoU, specific delivery dates and financial terms remain undisclosed. In the current industrial climate, Airbus faces a significant backlog, with standard delivery timelines often extending two to three years beyond a firm order. Consequently, while the commitment is made in 2025, the physical arrival of these new aircraft would likely occur later in the decade, marking a long-term investment in the airline’s future capabilities.

Conclusion

The commitment by Buraq Air to acquire 10 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft serves as a strong indicator of recovery and ambition within the Libyan private aviation sector. By pivoting away from its historical reliance on Boeing and aligning its fleet strategy with its partner Medsky Airways, Buraq is positioning itself to operate more efficiently and competitively. The deal underscores a broader trend of fleet modernization in the region, as carriers seek to leverage new technology to rebuild networks and reconnect Libya with the global market.

As the airline moves to finalize this Memorandum of Understanding into a firm order, the focus will shift to the technical execution of the fleet transition. The successful integration of these aircraft will depend on the selection of appropriate engine technology and the continued stability of the regional market. Ultimately, this agreement at the Dubai Airshow 2025 highlights the resilience of the aviation industry in North Africa and the critical role of modern aircraft in facilitating economic reconnection.

FAQ

Question: What exactly did Buraq Air order from Airbus?
Answer: Buraq Air signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 10 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft. This allows them to choose between different models within that family, such as the A320neo or A321neo.

Question: Is this a binding contract?
Answer: No, currently it is a Memorandum of Understanding. This is a non-binding agreement that signals a serious intent to purchase but precedes a final, firm contract.

Question: Why is Buraq Air switching to Airbus?
Answer: The airline is modernizing its fleet and moving away from older Boeing models. The switch also aligns their operations with their partner, Medsky Airways, allowing for shared resources and reduced operational costs.

Sources

• Airbus Press Release