NOVEMBER 2015 47 CUSTOMER PROFILE With its vivid blue and orange livery, flydubai’s growing fleet of Boeing jetliners creates a striking presence at Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates. The blue represents the waters of the Arabian Gulf and orange symbolizes the warm hospitality of its people. “These attributes are particularly true to Dubai and we were keen to see them reflected in the approach and services we offer to our customers,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, the Dubaibased airline’s chief executive officer. “We remain focused on our long-term strategy to open up new routes by expanding opportunities for travel, maintaining efficient operations across our network and continuing to deliver a better customer experience.” In just six years, flydubai has spread its wings to more than 96 cities in 45 countries, providing more than 1,600 departures across its network in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, Europe and the Indian subcontinent. The all-Boeing airline also has opened up routes to 67 destinations that previously lacked direct air links to Dubai. In 2014 alone, flydubai launched 23 new routes, and so far in 2015, it has announced 18 new routes. The partnership with Boeing began in June 2008 when flydubai ordered 50 Next-Generation 737-800s during the Farnborough International Airshow. In September the airline took delivery of its 50th airplane from Boeing, a 737-800. At the 2013 Dubai Airshow, flydubai reiterated its strong commitment to Boeing and its jetliners when it ordered 75 737 MAXs, with purchase rights for a further 25 to support its continued growth. The new fuel-efficient 737 MAX is scheduled to be delivered to customers starting in 2017. The order also included 11 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800s, which Boeing expects to deliver in the first quarter of 2016. “Boeing’s Next-Generation 737-800s, with their fuel efficiency and reliability, have enabled flydubai to sustain the high-frequency traffic within our network,” Al Ghaith said. “The aircraft has become the foundation for flydubai’s rapid growth and we look forward to receiving the 737 MAX 8 to further expand our network and operations.” Said Ray Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO: “We are extremely proud of our partnership with flydubai, and the confidence and trust it continues to place in Boeing’s present and future single-aisle airplanes.” n SAFFANA.MICHAEL2@BOEING.COM To learn more about Boeing in the United Arab Emirates, see Page 36. Photo: A row of flydubai’s Next-Generation 737-800s in the late-day sun at Dubai International Airport. FLYDUBAI Spreading its wings flydubai continues rapid expansion with all-Boeing fleet BY SAFFANA MICHAEL
Frontiers November 2015 Issue
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