Latest news with #AlGhaith
Trade Arabia
22-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
flydubai resumes flights to Damascus
flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, has announced today the start of direct flights to Damascus from 01 June 2025. Flights to Damascus International Airport (DAM) will operate daily from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB). Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: 'we are very pleased to be the first national carrier to resume flights to Syria after 12 years of halted operations. Damascus holds a special cultural and historical significance within the region and we are excited to serve the city again with a direct daily service, highlighting our commitment to supporting the United Arab Emirates' efforts to foster regional connectivity.' Damascus was one of the carrier's first destinations with flights commencing nearly 16 years ago in June 2009. flydubai's decision to restart its operations to Damascus comes after the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)'s announcement to resume flights between the two countries earlier this year in April. Jeyhun Efendi, Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said: 'the relaunch of flights to Damascus will enable passengers from the UAE and around the network to enjoy convenient travel options to the market. After working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary operational standards have been met ahead of the relaunch, we look forward to welcoming passengers back on board again soon, just in time for the upcoming Eid Al Adha holiday and peak summer travel period.' -TradeArabia News Service
The National
24-02-2025
- Business
- The National
Flydubai posts record profit for 2024 as it prepares to receive new Boeing planes
Flydubai reported a 5 per cent increase in its profit for 2024 as the airline continues to expand its fleet amid strong air travel demand. The Dubai airline's annual profit grew to Dh2.2 billion ($611 million) last year, from Dh2.1 billion in 2023, and it achieved a "record" pre-tax profit of Dh2.5 billion for the year, a 16 per cent rise from the previous year, flydubai said on Monday. Revenue increased more than 14 per cent cent to Dh12.8 billion, as the airline carried 15.4 million passengers from Dubai last year, an annual increase of 11 per cent. Flydubai's financial performance for the fourth consecutive year demonstrates the airline's continued ability to navigate difficult economic and geopolitical challenges, said chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith. Flydubai cancelled the launch of routes planned for the second half of last year and reduced capacity on others because of delays in jet deliveries from Boeing and supply-chain problems. The airline said it did not receive any of the aircraft it was contractually scheduled to receive last year due to continuing challenges with the US plane maker's delivery schedule. As a result, flydubai extended the leases on four Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 planes that had been scheduled for return. Flydubai said it expects to receive 12 new Boeing 737s this year and replace some of its existing aircraft to support its network expansion plans. 'Our strategic plans are highly influenced by the manufacturer's ability to deliver on their promise to bring the aircraft delivery schedules back on track and clear the backlog,' Mr Al Ghaith said. By the end of December, flydubai's fleet consisted of 88 planes, comprising 29 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800s, 56 of the 737 Max 8s, and three of the 737 Max 9s. The airline's capacity, measured in available seat kilometres, increased by 10 per cent in 2024, while load factor, the percentage of available seating capacity filled by passengers, grew 1.2 per cent. Fuel accounted for 28 per cent of flydubai's operating costs last year, compared to 32 per cent in 2023, due to a lower average fuel price. Flydubai's results come after Dubai International Airport achieved a record-breaking 92.3 million passengers last year, growing 6 per cent annually and reinforcing Dubai's status as a leading international travel hub. The world's busiest airport by international traffic beat its November forecast of 91.9 million annual passengers, up from 87 million the previous year and exceeding its pre-Covid record of 89.1 million in 2018. The emirate attracted 16.79 million international tourists in the first 11 months of 2024, with western Europe its top source market, followed by South Asia and Gulf countries.
Khaleej Times
28-01-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Flydubai is 'not Emirates lite': CEO recalls moment he was asked to create new Dubai airline
Growing up on the banks of Dubai Creek, the CEO of flydubai, whose childhood revolved around the sea, "had no idea" he would end up working in the airline industry, he told Khaleej Times in an interview. 'It was mainly the adventure of trying to go to places," he said. Ghaith Al Ghaith's upbringing in Shindagha, a lifeline for the city's early trade and culture, shaped his bond with Dubai's heritage. 'Everything happened in the creek' he recalled. 'You'd wake up, and sometimes there'd be a shipwreck', he said, describing how such events became the talk of the town. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. "There's a saying in aviation: If you smell the fuel of aircraft, you become addicted to it. For me, it was more about connecting Dubai to the rest of the world." After joining Emirates Airlines in 1986, Al Ghaith climbed the ranks, until he left in 2009 to lead the creation of a new Dubai-based airline. At the time, Al Ghaith was called by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and tasked to lead the inception of flydubai. 'When I was offered to lead it, I asked, 'Your Highness, is this like Emirates lite [version]?' He said: 'No, this is going to be a separate company.'" With the support and leadership of Sheikh Ahmed, Al Ghaith knew then that he wanted to pursue this challenge. Flydubai was initially envisioned as a low-cost carrier that serves destinations within a five-hour radius of Dubai. 'The idea was to connect these regions to Dubai, creating opportunities for business, trade, and tourism,' Al Ghaith explained. The airline's evolution since then has been anything but typical. Recognising the unique demands of Dubai's market, flydubai introduced features like business class and in-flight entertainment, blending affordability with quality. 'Low-cost doesn't work in the same way as it does in Europe or America because of a diverse customer base. We had to adapt," said Al Ghaith, explaining they had to create something unique for Dubai. After studying in the US, Al Ghaith joined Emirates airline in 1986 as a management trainee. Over the next two decades, he rose to become executive vice-president of commercial operations worldwide. His role included launching inaugural routes, such as flights to London Gatwick and Bangkok, forging strategic partnerships with global airlines, and representing Dubai's growing aviation sector at key industry events like the Paris Air Show and ITB Berlin. He left in 2009 to head flydubai after Sheikh Ahmed offered him a job. Aviation has been at the heart of Dubai's growth. The sector has advanced tourism and commerce by seamlessly connecting the emirate to the rest of the world. Flydubai has emerged within this space, catering to under-served markets and complementing the city's flagship carrier, Emirates. Flydubai's adaptability has been a hallmark of its success, from weathering the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic to doubling its fleet size in recent years. 'By November 2020, we were cash-positive. By the next year, we made record profits. It's a testament to the dedication of our team and the trust we have in Dubai and the UAE,' Al Ghaith said. In 2024, flydubai reached new heights, carrying over 13 million passengers and expanding its network to more than 125 destinations across 65 countries. New routes included Basel in Switzerland, Kish and Kirman in Iran, Bhairahawa in Nepal, Islamabad and Lahore in Pakistan, Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia, and Mombasa in Kenya. Additionally, 10 seasonal summer routes, such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Bodrum, operated from June to September, making the airline a go-to for many travellers. When asked about the future of the airline, Al Ghaith shared ambitious plans to get "larger aircraft with a longer range, like the Boeing 787" that would allow the carrier to expand its market presence even further, a challenge that is "like starting the airline all over again". With the development of the new Al Maktoum International Airport, Flydubai is poised to play an even greater role in the city's aviation story. 'Our goal is to connect more markets, drive more opportunities, and align with Dubai's vision to be a leader in trade, tourism, and innovation," he added.
