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Interview - Ghaith-Al-Ghaith

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CEO of Flydubai in conversation

Ghaith-Al-Ghaith, CEO of the airline Flydubai, focuses primarily on the attractiveness of secondary airports. ConnoisseurCircle aviation expert Kurt Hofmann spoke to him in Dubai. Connoisseur Circle:

How has Flydubai coped with the difficult Corona crisis so far?
Ghaith-Al-Ghaith: Quite well, actually. We have been able to keep all our aircraft in operation. Airlines have to find ways to cope with the new normality created by the pandemic - and we have managed to do that. We are operating at a capacity that is already close to pre-pandemic levels. Maintaining efficient, lean operations is the key to success and is something we do every day. And we have also managed to overcome the crisis as the Dubai government has created a safe environment for travel and tourism.

Is Flydubai a low-cost airline or a hybrid carrier?
We are neither one nor the other. Flydubai is Flydubai! For example, a few years ago we adapted to consumer needs and introduced a business class because there was a demand for it in our region. The low-cost airline landscape in the Gulf is getting a new dynamic after the recent additions of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi. I am convinced that each region or destination will develop its own airline model.

How much does the Dubai - Salzburg route fit into your concept?
I think continuing the strategy of operating new secondary destinations throughout the year and also adding more, as Flydubai has done in the past, remains important. Some of these airports, be it Salzburg, Naples or Kutaisi, are making every effort to get new routes. Their efforts, combined with Flydubai's philosophy, are very energetic and offer many new perspectives and opportunities for both sides. As you know, each route has its own profile based on the overall market entry strategy. Our focus has always been on creating free tourism and trade flows. This is reflected in the wide range of destinations we fly to, including many previously underserved destinations.

And what about the partnership with Emirates Airline?
I believe that our harmonized Boeing 737-800/MAX fleet and the cooperation with Emirates Airline will open up many opportunities to
to reshape the network landscape for the post-pandemic era. Our partnership with Emirates began in the fall of 2017 and since then we have seen how well the collaboration is developing at our Dubai International hub.