flydubai Names Chief Commercial Officer

Obaidalla brings a wealth of experience to his new role, after spending his entire career, spanning almost 20 years, in the airline industry. He joins flydubai from Emirates Airline, where he held the position of Divisional Senior Vice President, Network Operations.

“I am delighted to welcome Hamad Obaidalla as flydubai’s first Chief Commercial Officer,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai. “His rich aviation background will bring enormous expertise and knowledge to flydubai as we embark on an exciting journey to develop Dubai’s first low cost airline.  Hamad’s proven track record at Emirates will be invaluable in the rapidly developing low-cost sector and we warmly welcome him to our growing family of high class professionals,” he added.

Obaidalla’s career has seen him take on several key management roles at Emirates Airline in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, East Africa, Yemen and Iran; positions that have given him a valuable working knowledge of how to address the unique challenges of the region.

A UAE national, Obaidalla graduated with a degree in Electronics Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.  In 1991, he entered the Emirates management training programme and was then employed in a number of senior positions across the GCC and beyond.

“I am looking forward to my new role during what is an extremely exciting time for flydubai,” said Obaidalla. “Already flydubai has become a name synonymous with a pioneering approach to the airline industry and I am very much looking forward to playing my part in helping to extend the brand throughout the region.”

The flydubai model is simple, with customers paying only for the services they want to receive. The ticket price includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage, weighing up to 10kg, per passenger.

Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at just AED40 for the first piece and AED100 for the second, weighing up to 32kgs, subject to availability.  Checked baggage at the airport is also strictly subject to availability and passengers are advised to book online early to secure the space, as only pre-purchased baggage can be guaranteed.

A nominal payment of AED5 allows customers to select their seat and just AED50 secures the extra legroom positions. Bookings can be changed for a small fee, plus any difference in the fare, and food and drink can be purchased on board.

flydubai operates from a modernised and enhanced Terminal 2 on the north side of Dubai International Airport.