flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has continued its high flight in 2024, experiencing consistent passenger growth and significant network expansion.
Since the year’s beginning, they’ve transported nearly five million passengers, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Network Expansion Continues
Flydubai continues to bridge continents, adding new destinations to its ever-growing network. 2024 saw the commencement of operations to Al Jouf, Langkawi, Mombasa, Penang, and The Red Sea.
Additionally, European expansion continues with upcoming flights to Basel, Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius.
This dedication to network development has resulted in a vast network spanning over 125 destinations in 58 countries.
Notably, more than 90 of these routes offer previously unavailable direct connections from Dubai, both for the city itself and for other UAE national carriers.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, expressed his enthusiasm. “We are thrilled to witness the continuous expansion of our network, particularly in Southeast Asia with the addition of Malaysia, alongside ongoing growth in the African and European markets.”
“This increased capacity has attracted more passengers in 2024, despite some dampening effects from ongoing aircraft delivery delays. We remain on track for a record-breaking summer with the launch of our seasonal schedule in June.”
“Our immediate focus is on an ambitious fleet retrofit project to elevate and standardize the onboard experience for our valued customers.”
Fleet Growth and Investment
Flydubai’s fleet has grown in 2024 with the addition of two new aircraft. They now boast 86 Boeing 737 aircraft serving their expanding network.
Despite supply chain challenges affecting delivery schedules, six more aircraft are expected by year-end.
The carrier currently operates a fleet consisting of 29 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800s, 54 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, and 3 Boeing 737 MAX 9s.
To enhance passenger comfort, they’ve embarked on a multi-million dollar project that will see a complete cabin refresh for most of their Next-Generation Boeing fleet.
This project involves installing flydubai’s signature lie-flat Business Class seats and the new RECARO economy seats, mirroring the superior cabin product found on their newer aircraft.
All retrofitted aircraft will receive Inflight Entertainment Systems, ensuring a consistent travel experience across the fleet.
Notably, some aircraft will retain an all-economy configuration, featuring upgraded RECARO economy seats with Inflight Entertainment.
Further elevating the onboard experience, flydubai plans to increase the seat pitch on their recliner Business Class product on select newer aircraft, from 45 inches to 53 inches.
This initiative, designed for short-to-medium haul flights within the region, will be rolled out after the summer season.
The ambitious retrofit program, aiming for completion by year-end, is being jointly executed by flydubai’s in-house maintenance team and GMR Aerotech MRO.
Strong Passenger Performance
The impressive 13% passenger growth from January to April 2024 is a testament to flydubai’s strong performance. This growth is attributed to the increased capacity across their network.
Flydubai’s network expansion is truly remarkable. They’ve built a vast network of over 125 destinations in 58 countries, with more than 90 routes offering previously unavailable direct connections from Dubai.
The carrier is further bolstering capacity across various markets, with service frequencies returning to pre-pandemic levels in the GCC region.
Here are some specific examples of increased frequency:
- Colombo: 28 flights per week (up from 21)
- Doha: 42 flights per week (up from 21)
- Krakow: 10 flights per week (previously daily)
- Milan: Daily service (previously five-weekly), with double daily service planned for peak summer
- Salalah: 14 flights per week (previously daily during peak summer)
- Beirut: 21 flights per week (previously double daily during peak summer)
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