flydubai pax numbers rise in Q1 2024, fleet retrofit in progress

Since the start of 2024, flydubai has wasted no time in expanding its reach, launching operations to new destinations including Al Jouf, Langkawi, Mombasa, Penang and The Red Sea.

Additionally, the carrier has announced plans to further expand its network in Europe with the introduction of flights to Basel, Riga, Tallinn, and Vilnius.

With these new additions, flydubai’s network now spans more than 125 destinations in 58 countries, offering travelers unparalleled connectivity across the globe.

flydubai has significantly increased frequencies across key routes, including Colombo, Doha, Krakow, Milan, Salalah and Beirut ensuring greater connectivity and convenience for travellers.

Furthermore, almost five million passengers flew with the carrier between January and April, representing a 13 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of the Dubai-based carrier, said: “flydubai continues to consistently grow its network, and I am pleased to see our operations expand further in South-East Asia, Africa, and Europe.

“Despite challenges in aircraft deliveries, we remain on track for one of the busiest summers on record, with our seasonal summer schedule set to commence in June.”

flydubai embarks on a comprehensive retrofit project

Focused on offering passengers a premium travel experience, flydubai began a comprehensive retrofit project aimed at upgrading the cabin interior for the majority of its next-generation Boeing fleet in January, with the airline completing the full cabin refresh of eight aircraft, installing its flagship lie-flat business class seats and new economy seats from RECARO.

These enhancements ensure a more cohesive and consistent travel experience for passengers across the fleet, with all retrofitted aircraft equipped with inflight entertainment systems.

The airline will also increase the seat pitch on its recliner business class seats on select aircraft from 45 to 53 inches, providing travellers with more space.

This project will be rolled out after the summer.

According to the airline, the target is to complete the retrofit programme before the end of the year. The retrofitting is being carried out by the carrier’s in-house maintenance team and GMR Aerotech MRO.

New aircraft

Two new aircraft joined the fleet since the start of the year, growing its fleet to 86 Boeing 737 aircraft serving its expanding network with six more aircraft expected to be delivered by the end of the year amid ongoing challenges in supply chain and delays in its aircraft delivery schedule.

flydubai’s fleet consists of 29 Boeing 737-800, 54 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and three Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.