flydubai launches cargo operation

flydubai, Dubai’s low cost airline, has announced the launch of a new division to support the airline’s goal of making the transportation of goods and people across the region via Dubai simple, accessible and affordable.

flydubai Cargo, which is due to start on 1 January 2012, will transport goods to all of the low cost carrier’s 46 destinations, as well as additional cities in India and Pakistan. Cargo, including perishable items, textiles, electronics, couriered items, mail, pharmaceuticals and general cargo, can originate from any point on the flydubai network or beyond.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “I am very pleased to announce the start of flydubai cargo, which is another significant achievement for the airline. Earlier this year we created our own Engineering and Maintenance division, and cargo is another example of our rapid expansion”.

With 60% of all shipments expected to be transit cargo, flydubai has signed interline agreements with other airlines when moving items outside its network. flydubai expects to carry 1,500 tonnes of cargo each month on its Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, which is equal to 15 Boeing 777 freighters. In particular demand are auto parts travelling from Dubai to countries in the former CIS, handicrafts from Kathmandu and fruit and vegetables around the GCC countries.

Meanwhile, in line with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) e-freight initiative, all shipments will be transported with electronic documents rather than paper air waybills. The move is estimated to save $1.2 billion across the industry.