flydubai named Low Cost Airline of the Year at 2011 Aviation Business Awards

The airline triumphed in all three nominated categories - Low Cost Airline of the Year, Technology Implementation of the Year and Personal Achievement of the Year for flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith.

Judged by a prestigious panel of industry experts, the annual Aviation Business Awards (ABA) celebrate the achievements of the Middle East aerospace industry and recognise some of the sector's key regional players. flydubai was praised for championing the high standards of quality in service and amenities that the region is reputed for, while maintaining its commitment to offer convenient and affordable travel.

flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith commented: "This is a landmark win for flydubai and we cherish and value the support shown by the industry and our peers. We started out two years ago with a vision to make travel a little less complex, a little less stressful and a little less expensive. From the very beginning, due to sheer hard-work, determination and a tenacious commitment to quality and reliability, we have transformed into the world's fastest growing start-up airline ever. We are also the second largest carrier operating out of Dubai International Airport, with an operational network of 46 destinations spanning the GCC, Middle East, Subcontinent, Africa and Central and Eastern Europe. I would like to thank the judges for this honour and the confidence they have shown in flydubai."

Walid Akawi, CEO of ITP Publishing Group, said: "flydubai has emerged as a leading brand in Middle East aviation within the space of only two years. Despite a rapid pace of development, high standards have been maintained across its operations. In particular, our judges were impressed with the various innovations that have been embraced by flydubai, from its Lumexis in-flight entertainment system to the Boeing sky interior - all of which have contributed to the well-deserved hat trick of trophies at this year's Aviation Business Awards."

flydubai emerged the winner in the Technology Implementation of the Year category, which recognises technology innovations that improve the efficiencies and experience in airports and flights. flydubai fitted the revolutionary, state-of-the-art 'Fiber-To-The-Screen®' ('FTT'S®') In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system on 13 of its Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft and will do so on all future additions to the fleet. It is the first airline in the world with the ability to stream movies in high definition simultaneously to all seats thanks to the higher data transfer offered by the fibre optic system.

"We introduced the Lumexis system because it was capable of taking the passenger experience to the next level while cutting resource consumption and costs. This award is evidence that it is possible to successfully combine a low cost model with a commitment to quality, innovation and reliable services," said Al Ghaith.  

flydubai also won the Personal Achievement of the Year Award for CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith.

Since starting operations on 1 June 2009, flydubai has redefined the low cost model. The airline offers an unbundled product that has not been seen in the UAE before. It is the only carrier that has a fare which includes all the basics a person needs to travel - i.e. the price of the seat, all taxes and hand baggage - with everything else, such as checked baggage, extra legroom, in-flight entertainment and refreshments on board, offered as an optional extra. This, coupled with other innovations, enables flydubai to keep costs down, and pass the savings onto passengers through lower fares.

Over the past two years, flydubai has also set one of the best on time performance records of any airline in the world with departures and arrivals in the 85% range. The airline has also had a positive impact on overall passenger traffic in many destinations in its first twelve months of operations, such as Beirut (33%), Damascus (39%), Amman (40%) and Egypt (22%).