Newstrack

FlyDubai to launch by mid-2009

ETW Staff - Mumbai

The much awaited Dubai's low-cost carrier FlyDubai is set to be launched by mid-2009. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman of the new airline said, "FlyDubai is a simple, yet powerful call to action. It makes an immediate link to our core business, which is providing no-frills flights to bring people to and from Dubai. Its operations will potentially cover an area of some two billion inhabitants and it will support Dubai's commercial and tourism sectors by serving a new set of travellers, and providing them with affordable air links to popular, high-demand destinations. A lot of ground work has been done thus far."

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president, UAE and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, approved the name FlyDubai from a shortlist presented by HH Sheikh Ahmed.

The airline will initially focus on regional flights within the GCC area and surrounding countries. Its operations will be entirely separate from Emirates Airline and Group. The brand identity and livery for FlyDubai will be unveiled in the coming months.

Ghaith al Ghaith, chief executive, FlyDubai said: "Since the government announced the formation of Dubai's new low cost airline in March, it has been all systems go. We are recruiting for key positions, evaluating aircraft options and routes, working out our pricing and distribution strategy, and putting in place the structure and operational resources for the business."