FlyDubai, a low-cost carrier (LCC) carved out of the Gulf-based Emirates, will start competing with its big brother, as it kick-started operations from Mumbai on Tuesday.
The airline will operate five flights a week, taking the total number of flights to the country to 25 per week, said the airline officials on Wednesday.
Speaking on board the inaugural flight to Mumbai, Sudhir Sreedharan, senior vice-president, commercial (GCC, subcontinent, Africa) at FlyDubai said, "Mumbai launch will add a new chapter to a rich story of trade, tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations."
FlyDubai started by the government of Dubai about five years ago has been allotted seats as per the bilateral agreement signed between the Indian and UAE governments. Emirates, which is a leading airline from the Gulf, is also owned by the Dubai government. "Though the chairman for both these airlines remain the same, there is no management interference and both the airlines operate independently of each other," said Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive officer at FlyDubai.
Interestingly, the airline management does not want to be either called LCC or full-service carrier.
"The passengers can choose the service. They can choose to fly either at low-frill and can avail additional service by paying for it. Alternatively, they can fly in the business class as Dubai is a business hub and there is a great demand for it. In short, we adopt the policy of not all sizes fit one passenger," said Ghaith.
Asked as how does FlyDubai differentiate itself from Emirates, Ghaith said, "We have been running profitably as our product is second to none in the business".
In addition to Mumbai, the airline also operates to Ahmedabad, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Lucknow and Thirvananthapuram. Business class is available on flights to Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Mumbai and Thiruvananthapuram.
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