Dubai’s new low-cost airline will be called FlyDubai, with the first flights due to take off in mid-2009.
The airline is being assisted by Emirates during its set-up period, but once launched, its operations will be “entirely separate from Emirates Airline and Group”. FlyDubai will initially focus on regional flights within the Gulf region and surrounding countries, with the airline’s brand identity and livery due to be unveiled in the coming months.
Commenting on the carrier’s moniker, chairman HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum 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. The name also carries a strong association with the city of Dubai, itself a brand synonymous with excellence, reliability and an international, pro-business approach.”
The flydubai.com website is currently under construction, so keep checking businesstraveller.com for the latest updates.
Report by Mark Caswell