flydubai Brings its Quality, Simple, Uncomplicated Low Fare Service to Kabul

DUBAI, UAE, May 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- flydubai, Dubai's first low cost airline, will make travel a little less complex, a little less stressful and a little less expensive for people living in and travelling to Kabul, with the launch of the airline's first direct flights to the Afghan capital on May 17.

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Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai said: "We are very excited about the start of our new service to Kabul. There are currently more than 1,000 people travelling between Dubai and Kabul every day and we are pleased to offer them the option of travelling on one of the industry's safest, newest fleets of aircraft.

"We believe there will be a huge demand for flydubai and as this is an important market for us we are already working with the authorities to increase the number of flights we operate to the city. Kabul is a fascinating place with an incredible history. I am personally looking forward to making the trip in the near future."

flydubai is owned by the Government of Dubai and was established to offer quality, low cost travel to destinations that are underserved by direct air links to the UAE or where additional capacity is required.

Following its first commercial flight in June 2009, flydubai has rapidly grown its network to comprise 13 operational destinations, with an additional five routes scheduled to begin operating by the end of June.

Sticking to the traditional low cost model, flydubai's fares are one way, tax inclusive and include one piece of hand luggage. The other services you would find on a full service airline are also available, but are charged separately.

"This is how we make our fares fair," said Al Ghaith. "After all why should you pay for a suitcase if you are travelling with hand luggage? And why should you pay for a meal if you don't want to eat?"

Although flydubai is low cost, the airline has spent money where it counts. In 2008 flydubai ordered 50 brand new 737-800 Next Generation aircraft from Boeing at a list price of $4bn. The 737-800NG is one of the safest aircraft flying today and, with one taking off every 4.6 seconds somewhere in the world and a 40-year track record, there is plenty of evidence to back up that claim.

flydubai didn't scrimp on board either with seats specially designed by Recaro - seat manufacturer for Formula 1 and Porsche - to give extra comfort and legroom. A simple redesign which moved the traditional seat back pocket to up behind the tray, gives each seat an additional 2 inches of extra legroom, and means flydubai has one of the largest seat pitches of any economy airline.

"We may be a low cost airline, but low cost doesn't have to mean low quality," explained Al Ghaith. "We are committed to upholding the very highest standards of safety and comfort on board and we want to ensure our passengers enjoy their reliable, on-time flight with flydubai. We are a different to other airlines operating on the Kabul-Dubai route, so I would encourage people to give us a try and find out why we have become one of the world's fastest growing start up airlines ever."

About flydubai:

Established in March 2008 with start-up capital of AED 250 million, flydubai is Dubai's first low cost airline. Owned by the government of Dubai, the airline will support the city's commercial and tourism sectors by serving all travellers, providing them with affordable air links to a range of destinations.

With flydubai, travellers can take 1 piece of hand baggage (weighing up to 10 kg) no larger than 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm on board without charge. If the bag does not meet the cabin requirements, it will be checked into the aircraft hold at a cost of AED 150. For a little extra, passengers can check a bag. Each bag purchased can hold up to 32 kg and not larger than 90 cm x 75 cm x 43 cm. If customers want to take more, an additional bag can be purchased, subject to availability.

Based on a low cost business model, flydubai offers a value-for-money product at an extremely competitive price. Its website (http://www.flydubai.com) will be an important interface for customers, together with a call centre (+971-4-301-0800) and travel partners.

Note to editors:

For further information, please contact:

Zahabia Motiwala or Rima Salman at the flydubai press office at Polaris PR. Telephone: (+9714)-341-5555. Zahabia Motiwala mobile: (+971)-50-768-9440. Rima Salman mobile: (+971)-50-273-4869. E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Or

Heather Redpath, PR Manager for flydubai at Mobile: (+971)-50-9508420; Email: [email protected]

SOURCE flydubai