flydubai promotes UAE tourism

Low-cost airline records incredible passenger growth from Persian Gulf countries and CIS markets.

flydubai, Dubai's innovative low-cost airline, is playing a significant role in the UAE's fast-growing travel and tourism sector, new figures have revealed.
The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that the direct contribution of travel and tourism to the UAE's GDP is expected to hit $19.9 billion this year and its set to become increasingly important as a sector in driving the country's overall economic development.
Key to this growth has been the performance of flydubai, the world's fastest-ever growing start-up airline ever. New figures have been released covering the period from February 2011 to March 2012 that highlight the remarkable growth in its passenger numbers, particularly from the CIS, Eastern & Central Europe and GCC markets. Key statistics include:

A 284% annual growth in passenger numbers from the CIS and Central Europe markets between February 2011 and March 2012, compared to the period of February 2010 and March 2011.

An 89% annual growth in passenger numbers from the GCC between February 2011 and March 2012, compared to the period of February 2010 and March 2011.

In just under three years, flydubai has launched operations to more than 45 destinations across 29 countries and is now the second-largest airline operating out of Dubai Airport. Crucially, it now has the most comprehensive network of all Middle Eastern carriers to Central and Eastern Europe and has opened up new markets that previously had no direct UAE air links.

"What these latest figures illustrate is how flydubai is proving to be a pioneering force on a number of levels. Our vision three years ago was to build an unique network that not only offered real value for passengers but that also strategically opened up new markets. The resulting benefits for these destinations and the UAE are clear to see, whether that's in terms of trade or tourism. As these latest figures prove, this vision is already being realised, but what excites us the most is that we've only just begun on our journey. Our potential for further growth is huge and we will continue to target exciting new destinations that we believe are currently under-served," speaking ahead of the region's foremost travel and tourism event, the Arabian Travel Market 2012 flydubai's CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith, said.


/Today.Az/