DUBAI (Reuters) -Airbus looks set to beat Boeing ( BA ) to the lion's share of a major jet order from flydubai at the Dubai Airshow, breaking its rival's grip on the fast-growing budget carrier for the first time, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday.

The European planemaker was nearing a deal to sell roughly 100 A321neo jets to flydubai, which is also in talks for a smaller order of several dozen 737 MAX from Boeing ( BA ), they said. Airbus' share could increase depending on ongoing discussions.

Airbus declined to comment. Boeing ( BA ) and flydubai, which has 175 MAX in its fleet or on order, along with 30 larger Boeing 787s, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.