FLYDUBAI has cemented its position as the world’s fastest growing start-up airline ever with the start of flights to its 50th destination in less than three years. Marking its entry into the Kyrgyz Republic, FlyDubai’s inaugural flight to Bishkek landed at Bishkek International Airport, expanding its operational route network to 28 countries across the GCC, Middle East, North Africa, Indian sub-continent, Asia and Central and Eastern Europe.
The launch of flights to FlyDubai’s 50th destination is yet another milestone in FlyDubai’s short history, which also includes taking delivery of the 7,000th Boeing 737 in December 2011.
FlyDubai’s CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, said he was proud that the airline has launched operations to 50 destinations in less than three years and this landmark flight illustrates the scale of the airline’s ambition to open up destinations that were previously underserved by direct air links to the UAE.
“This inaugural flight represents an important moment in FlyDubai’s illustrious growth. When we started operations in June 2009, we made a conscious decision to expand as quickly as possible, adding aircraft and destinations at a rapid pace in order to offer more choice and attract more passengers, thereby creating a sustainable and profitable business model for the future. Our strategy has clearly paid off as today we have 21 aircraft and an international route network that spans 28 countries across the GCC, Middle East, North Africa, Indian Sub-continent, Asia and Central & Eastern Europe – making us the fastest growing start up airline in the world ever.”
FlyDubai set the pace for its network expansion from the outset. The airline since its establishment has become one of the industry’s strongest Middle East networks, forged new trends by targeting destinations that did not previously have international flights such as Abha, Gassim and Yanbu in Saudi Arabia and become the first to offer direct flights to destinations such as Samara in Russia and now Bishkek in the Kyrgyz Republic. FlyDubai was also the first low cost carrier to start operations to airports such as Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Yerevan in Armenia and Baku in Azerbaijan.
FlyDubai has also invested in its systems, procedures and training programmes in order to support its rapid expansion and ensure consistent levels of service across the board. “As part of Dubai’s commercial and tourism infrastructure, we represent not just Dubai’s ambition and growth but also its commitment to quality. With this in mind, we have married a low cost model with innovation and excellent service. Our success proves that with smart investments, efficient operations and hiring the right people, low cost travel can be convenient, comfortable and cost-effective,” says Al Ghaith.
In a region dominated by traditional carriers, FlyDubai has built a successful low cost airline that does not compromise on quality. The carrier has been so well received that it is now the second-largest carrier operating out of Dubai International Airport.
FlyDubai’s rapid network expansion was supported by its growing fleet which currently stands at 21 Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft and over the past three years has incorporated avant-garde systems such as Boeing Sky Interior and the ‘Fiber-To-The-Screen’ (‘FTTS’) In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system from Lumexis. With the airline’s growing regional footprint, it has also taken significant steps towards reducing its environmental impact by fitting the aircraft with winglets, carbon brakes, Zonal Drying System, all designed to increase the aircraft’s efficiency and reduce weight, therefore saving on fuel burn.
Other major factors in the airline’s success include its strong on-time and safety records. “The safety and comfort of our passengers and crew is our number one priority. Additionally, with an 85 per cent on-time performance record, we encourage more people to travel to more destinations, more often as know they can rely on FlyDubai whether travelling for business or leisure,” added Ghaith Al Ghaith.
FlyDubai’s dynamic growth and pioneering attitude in the aviation industry has not gone unnoticed, with the airline winning a number of plaudits including being named Low Cost Airline of the Year at both the Business Traveller Middle East Awards and Aviation Business Awards 2011.
“We have come a long way from our first flight to Beirut in 2009 but we are not resting on our laurels. We will continue to expand our route network, fleet and services and incorporate ground-breaking systems; maintaining our growth trajectory while setting the bar amongst the region’s airlines,” adds Al Ghaith.