The Dubai-based budget carrier, flydubai announced on Tuesday it plans to expand its current fleet with 150 new aircraft by 2029, to meet the projected surge in demand for air travel over the upcoming years.
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Planned growth
“Since 2021, we have taken delivery of 22 new aircraft, begun operations to more than 45 destinations, and grown our workforce by 25%,” flydubai CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith said at the Global Aviation Conference, noting that the company is “well-placed” to continue with its growth trajectory over the next few years supported by an additional 150 new aircraft scheduled for delivery by 2029.
Al Ghaith further highlighted that the airline continued to create free flows of trade and tourism through one of the most challenging times in aviation history.
A global aviation hub
On his part, the UAE’s Minister of Economy and chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said the UAE government’s visionary initiatives and investments in aerospace, airport development, and infrastructure continue to preserve the country’s position as a global hub for aviation, tourism, and travel, stressing that the aviation industry is a pillar of the UAE’s economy and a driver of business activity in several sectors.
“The UAE remains committed to ensuring sustainable, inclusive, and long-term growth of the sector. Our progressive agenda for aviation will continue to strengthen the sector, creating thousands of high quality jobs and contributing significantly to our national economy and economies in the region,” he added.
Building connectivity
The two-day event emphasised the role of airlines in building connectivity and enabling economic development, particularly with the global aviation industry’s accelerated recovery, driven by a surge in demand for air travel and a corresponding lift of COVID-related travel restrictions.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), passenger traffic is set to reach 80% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022.
