FLYDUBAI, Dubai’s first low-cost airline, expanded its fleet to a total of 13 aircraft by taking delivery of a quartet of new Boeing 737-800 NG’s, just 18 months after it started operations in June 2009.
flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We are thrilled to welcome these four new aircraft into our fleet. These new additions show flydubai’s continued growth, with 13 planes now servicing 28 routes in just 18 months. These numbers show phenomenal growth and we show no sign of slowing down, with ambitious growth plans that see us expanding still over the coming months.”
Since its launch in June 2009, flydubai completed its first year in operation with almost one million passenger bookings and a staggering more than three quarters of a million passengers.
The four new aircraft additions come complete with flydubai’s revolutionary ‘fiber to the screen’ (FTTS), inflight entertainment system from Lumexis. This system is lighter and thinner and the reduction in weight allows flydubai to offer their customers the best in-flight entertainment on the market, while reducing the associated costs. Passengers will have the ability to choose what they want to watch depending on their preference and how much they want to spend. In addition, the new planes come fitted with the new Boeing Sky Interior offering passengers more comfort as well as redesigned overhead bins to give more cabin space and increased storage.
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Al Ghaith: upgraded experience |
flydubai’s first flight took off to Beirut on June 1, 2009 and just 12 months later it witnessed almost one million passenger bookings and a staggering more than three quarters of a million passengers. Since the start of operations to Beirut and Amman in June 2009, traffic on the Dubai-Beirut route has increased by 33 per cent and Dubai-Amman has grown by a staggering 40 per cent, which proves that flydubai’s simple, uncomplicated low fares help to grow the market.
The airline recently made a series of changes offering more choices to passengers. These include the launch of new luggage rules which allow travellers to pre-purchase a checked baggage allowance of 20, 30 or 40 kg, while carrying a small bag and either a laptop bag or handbag at no additional cost. In addition, three fare categories have been introduced for passengers to customise their tickets according to budgets and needs.
flydubai’s options for fare, checked baggage, seats and meals have been very popular with 83 per cent of passengers purchasing an item of food or drink, 30 per cent of passengers paying to select their seat and 56 per cent paying for checked baggage. But 44 per cent of people travelled with only hand luggage, which means they were able to benefit from flydubai’s lowest fares.
The changes to fares include three distinct categories, providing flydubai customers greater flexibility in tailoring their travel to their budget and needs. The “no change”, “pay to change” and “free to change” fare options now give passengers more flexibility and ensures them to pay only for the things they need.