flydubai launches new flights to Maldives
flydubai has inaugurated services to its latest destination – Malé, the capital of the Maldives.
The inaugural flight, FZ561, departed Dubai Terminal 2 at 00:35, arriving at Malé Ibrahim Nasir International Airport at 06:20 local time.
A water cannon salute and delegation of senior Maldivian state officials received the aircraft and flydubai’s chief executive, Ghaith Al Ghaith on the runway.
Together with local and international media, they later attended a press conference at the Jumeirah Vittaveli resort.
Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Ghafoor, Maldives minister of tourism, arts and culture, said: “The start of flydubai’s flights open our wonderful nation to a wider number of tourists, while also offering affordable fares to Dubai for our residents.
“Through this regular service, we look forward to welcoming travellers from a wider range of destinations and continuing to develop our tourism appeal.”
Joining flydubai in the Maldives were representatives from Boeing, who delivered the airline’s latest 737-800 aircraft in December 2012.
“We are extremely proud of our partnership with flydubai and their confidence in the Boeing 737.
“Thanks to its unparalleled operating efficiencies and unique Boeing Sky Interior cabin environment, the 737 is an important enabler of flydubai’s business model, which is based on affordable fares and a superior onboard experience,” said Kent Craver, regional director for passenger satisfaction and revenue, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.