Flydubai adds bling to budget

The low-cost carrier flydubai is to undergo an upgrade, adding business class cabins to its fleet.

flydubai's new business-class seating. Courtesy flydubai

The low-cost airline flydubai is adding a touch of bling to budget by introducing business class seats to its fleet. The carrier will reveal the new-look cabins later this year.

The first aircraft with a business-class cabin is expected to be delivered later in the summer. However, passengers will have to wait until October for the inaugural flight.

Business-class tickets will be available to buy on selected flights from August, the same month prices are expected to be announced.

"We are very pleased to announce the evolution of our passenger offering as we continue to meet the travel needs of our customers," said Ghaith Al Ghaith,the chief executive of flydubai.

"The introduction of business class will provide greater choice for our passengers, who will have access to faster check-in services, comfortable and spacious seating and can enjoy a variety of internationally inspired menus during their journey." Business-class cabins include 12 leather seats complete with lumbar support and a raisable foot rest. Passengers can access a 12.1-inch high definition touchscreen screen offering 900 hours of movies, music and games.

A dedicated cabin crew will serve a selection of cold, light food and "accompaniments" on short flights, and a three-course meal from a halal menu on flights of 90 minutes or longer.

On the ground, business class passengers will be able to take advantage of the airline's priority check-in and baggage collection services in addition to its business class lounge at Dubai International Airport when it opens this year.

A team will also be available around the clock to answer queries and to help with ticket booking, meal selection and telephone check-in.

However, the airline, which flies to 60 destinations, is not neglecting its traditional customer base. A catering option for economy class customers is to launch soon, the airline said, offering passengers the chance to pre-select their meal and order online up to 48 hours before departure.