Flydubai, Dubai’s pioneering low-cost airline, has doubled the size of its fleet in just one year following the arrival of its 18th aircraft last week. Marking yet another milestone for Dubai’s first low-cost carrier, the new Boeing 737-800 NG represents an investment of $80m and is the latest delivery of the order of 50 placed by Flydubai at the 2008 Farnborough Airshow.

Commenting on the new arrival, Flydubai CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, said, “We are the world’s fastest growing start-up airline and a significant contributor to our success has been our young, efficient and expanding fleet. The range and capabilities of our 18 Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft allows us to provide our customers with high-quality, low-cost links to destinations in the GCC, Middle East, North Africa, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia and the fringes of Europe. The new aircraft has gone straight into service just in time to support the new CIS routes launching in September, as well as the upcoming busy Eid holiday.”

The 11th in the Flydubai fleet to feature the Boeing’s new Sky Interior and the revolutionary Fibre-To-The-Screen in-flight entertainment system by Lumexis, the new aircraft will also incorporate Goodrich Corporation Duracarb carbon brakes and Zonal Drying System, increasing fuel-efficiency and savings in emissions and costs.

Flydubai started operations as Dubai’s first low-cost airline in June 2009 with daily flights to Beirut, Lebanon. The airline targets destinations within a 4.5 hour flight-radius of Dubai, and currently has operations to 38 cities, with five additional routes - Ufa and Kazan in Russia as well as Ukrainian destinations Kiev, Donetsk and Kharkov - scheduled to commence in September 2011.

Flydubai is dedicated to making travel more accessible and affordable, taking every step to lower costs and pass on those savings to customers. All fares are one way and inclusive of taxes, that includes one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 7kg and a small handbag or laptop bag. Customers then pay for the optional extras they wish to receive, such as checked baggage or a seat with extra legroom.