DUBAI-BASED flydubai shows no signs of slowing down as it continues to challenge conventions within the aviation industry.
Chief executive officer Ghaith Al Ghaith, commented: “flydubai would not have been able to grow and develop so quickly if we did not operate in such a stimulating environment for business as the UAE. Our business model, which was built around our ability to be agile and flexible, has helped change the way people around the region travel and create free flows of trade and tourism.”
The carrier has delivered three consecutive six-month periods of profitable growth and announced net profit for 2012 of Dh151.9 million ($41.4 million).
Less than five years since its launch on June 1, 2009, flydubai continues to grow demand for travel to destinations within a five-hour flying radius from Dubai. Benefiting from Dubai’s efficient aviation hub, the carrier has opened up routes to the primary airports of more than 46 previously underserved markets across Africa, the Caucasus, Central Asia, Europe, Russia, the GCC, Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent.
flydubai has added 16 new destinations to its expanding network this year, bringing the total number of destinations served to more than 65. The carrier continues to grow its GCC network with additional points in Saudi Arabia, Oman and increased frequency to Kuwait.
In a further step to diversify its funding sources flydubai has signed an agreement for $228 million with five regional and international banks to finance six new Boeing 737-800 aircraft.