flydubai has announced a commitment for an order for up to 111 aircraft from Boeing. This order includes up to 100 Boeing 737 MAX and up to 11 next-generation Boeing 737-800s.
In only four and a half years flydubai has built up a network of more than 65 destinations, served by a fleet of 33 Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The remaining aircraft from its 2008 order will be fulfilled by 2015. It achieved profitability in its third year of operation and continues to focus on the needs of its passengers most-recently launching Business Class services.
The first aircraft, next-generation Boeing 737-800s from this order, will be delivered between 2016 and 2017. Deliveries of the first Boeing 737 MAX will commence in the second half of 2017 and continue until the end of 2023.
In 2013, flydubai announced 16 new routes expanding its network to more than 65 destinations. This year, the airline plans to add more Business Class routes to its network.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer, says: “2013 has been an exciting year for flydubai. At the start of the year, flydubai announced its financial results for 2012 with net profits of Dhs 151.9 million for the year, a strong demonstration of the airline’s growth story to date.”
A key development in the New Year will be the ongoing refurbishment and expansion of Terminal two at Dubai International Airport, which will offer passengers a faster and more pleasant experience as they travel. In 2014, flydubai will also open a dedicated Business Class lounge.
Al Ghaith adds: “Increasing fuel costs, which made up 39 per cent of our total operating costs in 2012, and congested skies are challenges that all airlines face. Dubai’s open skies policy has been a key factor in the growth of the aviation sector. Dubai remains a centre for tourism and business in the region and we remain fortunate to have more than 2.5 billion people within our geographic reach of a five-and-a-half hour flying radius of Dubai.”
On flight, flydubai passengers can look forward to a variety of new features this year. As well as rolling out services for passengers travelling in Economy Class to pre-order their on board meal, business class passengers will also be able to use flydubai’s eReader platform which gives access to 46 publications in seven languages from across the globe.