Flydubai Explained

Airline:flydubai
Arabic: فلاي دبي
Iata:FZ
Icao:FDB
Callsign:SKYDUBAI
Hubs:Dubai International Airport
Frequent Flyer:Emirates Skywards
Fleet Size:86[1]
Destinations:124
Parent:Investment Corporation of Dubai
Num Employees:4,654 (June 2015)
Headquarters:Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Aviation Corporation (Arabic: مؤسسة دبي للطيران), operating as Flydubai (Arabic: فلاي دبي; stylized as flydubai), is an Emirati government-owned low-cost airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The airline mainly operates out of Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport, though some flights fly out from Terminal 3.[2] [3] The airline operates a total of 124 destinations, serving the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe from Dubai.[4] [5] The company slogan is Get Going.

History

In July 2008, the government of Dubai established the airline.[6] Although Flydubai is not part of The Emirates Group, Emirates supported Flydubai during the initial establishing phase.[7]

On 14 July 2008, Flydubai signed a firm order with American aircraft manufacturer Boeing at the Farnborough Air Show for 50 Boeing 737-800s with a total value of US$3.74 billion, with the option to change the order to the larger and longer range Boeing 737-900ER, according to the airline's demand. The first of these aircraft was delivered on 17 May 2009. Scheduled flights commenced on 1 June, with services to Beirut, Lebanon, and Amman, Jordan. Since then, the route network has been significantly expanded.

On 13 February 2013, Flydubai announced that it was in talks with Boeing and Airbus for a 50-aircraft order.[8] [9] On 19 June 2013, the airline announced that it would be adding business class service to its flights.[10] The business class cabin would feature 12 seats between aisle and window, three-course meals, 12-inch televisions, a business class lounge, Italian leather seats to its offering in a bid to cater to business travellers in the emirate, access to more than 200 films, and power outlets suitable for plugs from over 170 countries.[11] [12]

In March 2019, Flydubai suffered considerable losses due to the grounding of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft around the world. The state-owned company claims that its growth strategy was severely impacted by the incident as it had 11 of the said aircraft, as well as more than 220 on order. Company CEO Ghaith Al-Ghaith said that an interim settlement agreement was made with Boeing for certain compensation but details of the agreement remain confidential.[13]

On November 4, 2020, FlyDubai announced that it would start direct flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai from November 26, with tickets being offered on sale. This would mark the first commercial flight route between Dubai and Tel Aviv.[14]

Corporate affairs

Business trends

The key trends for Flydubai are shown below (as at year ending 31 December):[15]

Turnover
(AED bn)		Profits
(AED m)		Number of
passengers
(m)		Number of
employees		Number of
aircraft		Notes/
sources
20122.71515.128[16]
20133.72226.836[17]
20144.42507.243[18]
20154.91009.050[19]
20165.031.610.457[20]
20175.537.310.961[21]
20186.2–15911.04,08064[22]
20196.01989.63,92259[23]
20202.8–7123.23,79651[24]
20215.38415.63,68259[25]
20229.11,20010.64,65474[26]
202311.22,10013.85,54584[27]
Reports released on May 2, 2021 revealed that Flydubai incurred losses of US$194 million in 2020. The airline faced one of the toughest years in the aviation sector as revenues plunged by more than 50% to reach US$773 million in 2020.[28] In June 2020, the airline had reduced salaries of its employees and also put some on unpaid leaves for a year.[29]

Management and ownership

The company was formed on 19 March 2008 as a venture by the Government of Dubai. Even though the airline did get some help from its sister airline initially, it has been run independently since. Also, there was an initial move of executives, but the major bulk of the hiring comes from outside the Emirates group.[30] The CEO of the company is Ghaith Al-Ghaith, who spent over 22 years with Emirates. The chair of the company is Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who is also the chairman of the Emirates group.

Headquarters

Flydubai operates entirely out of Dubai and currently has its Operations building near Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport in addition to some flights departing from Terminal 3.[31] Initially, Flydubai had intentions to operate from the new Al-Maktoum International Airport in the Dubai World Centre in Jebel Ali.

Development Centres

Flydubai sets up its first ‘Indian Development Centre’ (IDC) in Hyderabad. The centre leads Flydubai's IT and technology innovation which will focus on Passenger service systems (PSS). IDC will be a hub for software development, research and operations.[32]

Destinations

See main article: List of Flydubai destinations., Flydubai serves more than 110 destinations.[33] [34] The airline currently has one hub and operates out of Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport (DXB).[30] However, to accommodate for the growing airline and the expansion of the national airline at DXB, flydubai began to operate flights out of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) from 25 October 2015. The airline began with 70 flights per week to Amman, Beirut, Chittagong, Doha, Kathmandu, Kuwait and Muscat from DWC.[35] In December 2018, it also commenced flights from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport to select destinations to facilitate transfers with its codeshare partner Emirates.[36] [37]

Codeshare agreements

Flydubai codeshares with the following airlines:

Fleet

Current fleet

The Boeing customer code for Flydubai is KN, which appears in the designation of its older Boeing aircraft as an infix, such as 737-8KN., Flydubai operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet composed of the following aircraft:[41] [42] [43]

flydubai fleet
AircraftIn serviceOrdersPassengersNotes
CYTotal
Boeing 737-80029 - 12162174
- 189189
Boeing 737 MAX 8556910156166
12162174
Boeing 737 MAX 93[44] 67[45] 16156172[46]
Boeing 787-9 - 30[47] TBA
Total86166

Order history

Boeing 737-800At the Farnborough Air Show in July 2008, the airline ordered 50 Boeing 737-800s valued at approximately US$3.74 billion with substitution rights to convert its 737-800 orders to 737-900ERs (extended range) in the future.[48] In November 2010, Flydubai agreed a sale and leaseback deal with Avolon on another four 737-800s.[49]
Boeing 737 MAXOn 17 November 2013 at the Dubai Airshow, Boeing and Flydubai announced a commitment for about 100 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 11 Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft. This commitment was valued at about US$11.4 billion at list prices, making it the largest ever Boeing single-aisle airliner purchase in the Middle-East.[50] On 6 January 2014, Flydubai finalised its Boeing 737 MAX order. The order was finalised with an order for 75 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 11 Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft, along with the purchase rights for 25 more Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This order is valued at US$8.8 billion at list prices.[51] On 31 July 2017, Flydubai took delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 8, making it the first airline in the Middle East to operate the type.[52] [53] At the November 2017 Dubai Air Show, Flydubai signed a landmark commitment for 175 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and 50 purchase rights. This order for 225 aircraft is valued to be $27 billion at current list prices. More than 50 of the first 175 airplanes will be the new 737 MAX 10, while the rest will be the 737 MAX 9 and additional 737 MAX 8s. This historic commitment represents the largest single-aisle jet purchase by a Middle East airline.[54] On 21 December 2017, Flydubai finalized its purchase of 175 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes in the largest single-aisle jet order in Middle East history first announced at the 2017 Dubai Air Show.[55]

Boeing 787 Dreamliner

On 13 November 2023, at the Dubai Airshow, Flydubai signed an $11 billion order of 30 787-9 Dreamliners, marking the first time in its history the airline will operate widebodies.[56] The Dreamliners are set to arrive in 2026, accompanying Flydubai's existing fleet of 80 737s and 136 more that are on order.[57] [58] Some potential destinations for this order include the UK and Australia, as said by FlyDubai. [59]

In-flight features

Economy class

Full meal service is provided on some services to European and African destinations. On other flights within the network, passengers can pre-book a hot meal, and on flights over 3 hours and on shorter flights, a full menu of wraps and sandwiches is available. Purchases can be made from the crew or from the personal touch screens in each seat.

Business class

In June 2012, it was announced that business class would be added as a service.[60], 85 of Flydubai's destinations have the business class service. Each business class equipped aircraft contains 12 seats with a seat pitch of 42 inches. Along with a wider seat, on board the airline offers services such as: a choice of snacks, meals and drinks; access to films, a power outlet, blankets and pillows and noise-cancelling headphones. The Business Class services also extend at selected airports. At selected airports they offer priority check-in and fast track through security checks.[61] On 6 July 2014, Flydubai announced the opening of their business lounge at Dubai International Airport.[62] The lounge is located in Terminal 2 and has a free Wi-Fi service, refreshments and snacks.[63]

Safety video

The Flydubai safety video features characters from the animated Emirati television series Freej.[64] The central character in the video is a flight attendant named Maya.[65]

Ground handling

Flydubai passengers can transfer their baggage to connecting Emirates and Flydubai flights when checking-in.[66]

Accidents and incidents

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: flydubai announces record Full-Year profit of AED 1.2 billion for 2022 . 2024-04-19.
  2. Web site: Select-flydubai-flights-to-operate-from-terminal-3-dubai-international . flydubai.com . 28 November 2018 . 20 September 2010 . 9 December 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191209092717/https://news.flydubai.com/select-flydubai-flights-to-operate-from-terminal-3-dubai-international . live .
  3. Web site: flydubai-operations-dxb-terminal-3 . flydubai.com . 24 November 2019 . 9 December 2019 . 9 December 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191209092417/https://www.flydubai.com/en/destinations/flydubai-operations-dxb-terminal-3 . live .
  4. Web site: flydubai on ch-aviation . 2023-11-21 . ch-aviation . en.
  5. "flydubai destinations." flydubai. Retrieved on June 27, 2013.
  6. "Terms and conditions." flydubai. Retrieved on 21 June 2010. "The website is owned and operated by Flydubai, whose principal office is at Dubai International Airport, Terminal 2, PO Box 353, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Flydubai is a Dubai corporation formed by the government of Dubai in July 2008."
  7. Web site: Confident flydubai preparing for takeoff. 9 May 2015.
  8. "Budget Carrier FlyDubai In Talks For 50 Aircraft Order." Reuters. Retrieved on June 27, 2013.
  9. "FlyDubai Considers 50 New Aircraft." Gulf News. Retrieved on June 27, 2013.
  10. "Introducing Business Class." FlyDubai. Retrieved on June 27, 2013.
  11. "FlyDubai Announces Of New Business Class Service ." 7DaysInDubai. Retrieved on June 27, 2013.
  12. "FlyDubai Introduces Business Class Services." Gulf News. Retrieved on June 27, 2013.
  13. Web site: Budget Carrier Flydubai Slams Boeing for Loss of Business. 2020-03-04. Manufacturing.net. en-us. 2020-03-04.
  14. Web site: 2020-11-26 . Flydubai operates first scheduled Dubai-Tel Aviv flight - AeroTime . 2024-02-13 . en-US.
  15. Web site: Investor relations . 2024-08-16 . news.flydubai.com . en.
  16. News: 13 February 2013 . flydubai a success story . 10 June 2015 . flydubai.
  17. News: 2014-03-03 . flydubai announces 47 per cent profit increase over 2012 Results . 10 June 2015 . Flydubai.
  18. News: 2015-03-03 . 2014 sees flydubai achieve increased revenues of AED 4.4 billion up 19.1% and profits of AED 250 million . 10 June 2015 . flydubai.
  19. Web site: flydubai announces fourth full-year of profitability and 25% increase in passenger numbers . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160301085922/https://www.flydubai.com/en/news/flydubai-2015-annual-results . 2016-03-01 . 2016-02-17 . flydubai.
  20. Web site: flydubai announces 14.4% passenger growth to 10.4 million and profit of AED 31.6 million . 2018-03-13 . flydubai.
  21. Web site: flydubai sees strong growth in revenues, record passengers and sustained profit . 2018-10-27 . flydubai.
  22. Web site: flydubai announces Second-Half profit of AED 157 million (USD 43 million) driven by stronger yields and revenue growth and minimises annual loss . 2021-12-28 . news.flydubai.com . en.
  23. Web site: flydubai sees return to profitability . Flydubai.
  24. Web site: flydubai announces Annual Results amid one of the toughest years in aviation history . 2021-12-28 . news.flydubai.com . en.
  25. Web site: Salian . Neesha . 2022-03-07 . UAE's flydubai registers Dhs841m profit in 2021 . 2022-03-08 . Gulf Business . en-US.
  26. Web site: flydubai announces record Full-Year profit of AED 1.2 billion for 2022 . 2024-08-16 . news.flydubai.com . en.
  27. Web site: flydubai announces record-breaking 2023 Annual Results . 2024-08-16 . news.flydubai.com . en.
  28. Web site: Budget carrier flydubai posts US$194M loss due to COVID-19 pandemic . 2 May 2021 . CNA.
  29. News: 11 June 2020 . UAE's flydubai extends salary cuts, puts pilots on unpaid leave: sources . 11 June 2021 . Reuters.
  30. News: Flydubai - UAE's low-cost growth driver. Flight Global. 28 June 2010. 10 June 2015.
  31. Web site: Flydubai Facts. 10 June 2015.
  32. Web site: Flydubai to set up India development centre in Hyderabad . The Financial Express . 13 February 2019 . 9 June 2016.
  33. Web site: Destinations | flydubai | Choose Your Destination . flydubai . 2023-04-29.
  34. Web site: flydubai fly to more than 110 destinations . flydubai . 2023-04-29.
  35. News: Flydubai to increase flights from Dubai World Central. 5 August 2015. The National. 4 August 2015.
  36. News: Select-flydubai-flights-to-operate-from-terminal-3-dubai-international . flydubai.com . 28 November 2018 . 20 September 2010.
  37. Web site: flydubai-operations-dxb-terminal-3 . flydubai.com . 24 November 2019 . 2019-12-09.
  38. News: Air Canada Signs Flydubai Codeshare Agreement. aviationweek.com . 18 May 2023 . 21 May 2023.
  39. News: 2017Liu. Jim. Emirates / flydubai schedules codeshare launch in late-Oct 2017. Routesonline.
  40. Web site: Air Canada / United Begins flydubai Codeshare in 2Q23 .
  41. Web site: Boeing: Orders and Deliveries (updated monthly) . boeing.com . December 31, 2021 . January 13, 2022 . January 12, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210112224944/https://www.boeing.com/commercial/#/orders-deliveries . live .
  42. Web site: Flydubai extends B737-800 leases, "explores" wet-leases.
  43. Web site: Flydubai Fleet Details and History. www.planespotters.net. May 11, 2022.
  44. Web site: Flydubai pax numbers rise in Q1 2024, fleet retrofit in progress . gulfbusiness.com . 7 May 2024 . . 7 May 2024.
  45. Web site: flydubai to add maiden B737 MAX 9 in 2H18. ch-aviation. 25 April 2018. 27 April 2018.
  46. Web site: flydubai files 737 MAX 9 preliminary operation in 2Q19. Routesonline. 10 September 2018. 10 September 2018.
  47. Web site: flydubai orders 30 B787-9s. Ch-aviation. 13 November 2023.
  48. Web site: Boeing, Flydubai Announce Next-Generation 737 Order.
  49. Web site: Flydubai and Avolon sign sale/leaseback - Airfinance Journal - November 2010. 9 May 2015.
  50. Web site: Boeing. 9 May 2015.
  51. Web site: Boeing. 9 May 2015.
  52. Web site: Boeing Delivers First 737 MAX 8 to flydubai . Boeing Mediaroom . 2017-08-01.
  53. Maiden Max for Flydubai. Airliner World. October 2017. 11.
  54. News: Boeing, flydubai Sign Historic Deal for 225 737 MAX Airplanes . 15 Nov 2017 . Saffana Michael . Boeing Mediaroom.
  55. Web site: Boeing, flydubai Finalize Order for 175 737 MAX Airplanes . Boeing Mediaroom . 2017-12-21.
  56. Web site: Emirates and flyDubai place Dubai Airshow jet orders . reuters.com . . 7 May 2024 . English . 13 November 2023 .
  57. Web site: Flydubai places USD 11 billion order for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners . news.flydubai.com . Flydubai . 7 May 2024 . English . 13 November 2023 .
  58. Web site: Flydubai inks $11bn deal for 30 Boeing 787 Dreamliners . gulfbusiness.com . . 7 May 2024 . English . 13 November 2023 .
  59. Web site: 2024-05-14 . flydubai plans to commence services to Australia with 787s . 2024-06-27 . en-US.
  60. Web site: Flydubai FAQs. Dubai Faqs.
  61. Web site: Flydubai Business Class. flydubai. 10 June 2015.
  62. News: flydubai's Business Lounge open for business. 10 June 2015. flydubai. 6 July 2014.
  63. Web site: flydubai Business class lounge. flydubai. 10 June 2015.
  64. "FlyDubai Premieres Exclusive Safety Video Featuring 3D Emirati TV Series FREEJ ." flydubai. 19 December 2011. Retrieved on 20 November 2012.
  65. "Maya by Freej ." Flydubai Shop. Retrieved on March 21, 2016.
  66. Web site: flydubai DT review. Destination Travel. 10 June 2015.
  67. Boeing Hit by Gunfire in Baghdad. Airliner World. March 2015. 83.
  68. Web site: ASN Aircraft accident Boeing 737-8KN A6-FDN Rostov Airport (ROV) . . 19 March 2016.
  69. News: Derek . Baldwin . Flydubai crash surprising as airline has excellent safety record, Dubai-based analyst says . 19 March 2016 . . Dubai . 19 March 2016.
  70. Web site: Nikolay . Studenikin . http://mak-iac.org/upload/iblock/6e0/Особое%20мнение.PDF . ru:Особое мнение представителя Росавиации . Alternative opinion of the Rosaviatsiya representative . 27 March 2016 . . ru .

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