Travel/Tourism
Fly Dubai Records 14.4% Passenger Growth
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The management of Fly Dubai has announced its Full-Year Results for 2016 reporting a profit of $8.6 million.
It has also reported total revenue of $1.37 billion, an increase of 2.4 percent compared to the same period last year.
The stronger second half, driven by increased passenger numbers, was impacted by downward pressure on yield leading to lower overall revenue growth reflecting a continuation of the same adverse factors reported in the first half.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, said: “these results see flydubai report its fifth consecutive full-year of profitability.
In 2012, our third year of operation, we carried 5.1 million passengers. This year, we have carried 10.4 million passengers demonstrating that flydubai continues to help change the way both business and leisure passengers travel around the region.
An established tourism destination and global centre for business together with the UAE’s geographic location has supported the need for increased connectivity.”
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of flydubai, reviewing the Annual Results for 2016, commented: “Over the last two years we have seen passenger traffic grow cumulatively by 52 percent in terms of RPKM.
“We continue to demonstrate that we gain loyal customers across our network who recognise the benefits of direct air links and enjoy our onboard offering.
“The continuation of mainly lower fuel prices and ongoing cost management efforts are reflected in the 16% improvement in terms of ASKM [2] over the last two years. We have however seen a difficult pricing and operating environment.”
Cost and revenue performance
EBITDAR was healthy at 21.1% of revenue; an improvement from the previous year’s figure of 20.5%.
The closing cash and cash equivalents position, including pre-delivery payments for future aircraft deliveries, remained strong at AED 2.3 billion.
Fuel costs were 25% of operating costs compared to 30.6% in the previous year, against a backdrop of lower fuel prices for the year, with legacy fuel hedges impacting only 21% of the volume for full year 2016.
Ancillary revenue comprising of baggage, cargo and inflight sales contributed 13.8% of revenue; dropping from 15.1% from the previous year.
Operational performance
Aircraft deliveries: 8 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft joined the fleet in 2016 in support of network expansion. The average age of the fleet was 3 years 8.5 months.
Business Class: The growth in the number of flydubai’s Business Class passengers continued and saw the airline carry 2.4 times the number of passengers as in 2014. The Subcontinent saw the strongest demand for Business Class carrying more than double the number of passengers. This was followed by the Caucasus which grew by 88%, as a result of a liberalisation of the visa rules, creating an increased demand from both inbound and outbound traffic flows. In addition, Business Class passengers grew by 38% in Europe and 24% in the GCC and Middle East.
Network expansion: During the course of the year, increased flight frequency on existing routes and a maturing in the performance of the 41 new routes launched in 2014 and 2015 saw ASKM grow by 9%.
The launch, on 29 November, of flights to the popular destination of Bangkok was the first route outside of the GCC to start operations with a double daily service. Across the network, flydubai reported the following passenger flows:
GCC & Middle East: flydubai carried 28% of all traffic between Dubai and the GCC and Middle East.
Europe: passenger numbers in Europe grew by 19%.
Russia: with 21 flights per week across 7 destinations passenger numbers increased by 3%.
Ukraine: overall flydubai passenger numbers on flights between Ukraine and Dubai increased by 26%.
Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan): its 5 points across the region saw flydubai contribute 23% of the total growth at Dubai airports.
Subcontinent: passenger numbers on the flydubai network grew by 22%.
Africa: passenger numbers from its 11 points grew by 3% and contributed 12% of the total growth at Dubai airports.
Al Maktoum International (DWC): flydubai has been operating from DWC since October 2015. With its two gateways, flydubai will continue to gradually increase its operations at DWC based on the further expansion of the airport.
Staff numbers: flydubai continued to grow its experienced team with a total of 3,773 staff including 746 pilots, 1,618 cabin crew and 282 engineers.
OPEN: flydubai launched its simple and straightforward rewards programme on 25 October 2016 and has been well received in the market.
Key Operating Figures
FZ981: following the tragic loss of FZ981 on 19 March 2016, flydubai remains focused on supporting the families who lost their loved ones. In addition to providing initial financial assistance payments and interim financial assistance payments, our Long Term Care Team continues to be available to the bereaved families who are our primary concern. Plans are being put in place for a memorial to mark the first year anniversary.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “flydubai continues, through its accredited representative, to support the investigation into the tragic accident. Our Long Term Family Assistance team continues to be available for all the families.”
Outlook
During 2017, flydubai will be the first airline in the Middle East to receive the new model Boeing 737 MAX 8 and the first of these aircraft will enter into service in the second half of the year. The overall capacity will not grow during 2017, as short term capacity needs are adjusted, due to the ongoing challenging operating environment. Since launch, one of the principles of flydubai’s fleet planning strategy was to maintain a young fleet. Under these plans, the airline will see the eight-year lease term expire for 4 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 and during the year these aircraft will be retired from the fleet.
Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, looking to the year ahead, said: “we will remain prudent throughout 2017 as we will continue to operate in a challenging socioeconomic environment. Yields will remain under pressure and we expect to report flat growth in the year ahead. We are looking forward to receiving the first Boeing 737 MAX 8 in the region which will bring further fuel and operating efficiency to our young modern fleet. We are focused on our strategy to lead in innovation, to provide an unrivalled experience on board and on the ground, as we continue to meet the travel demands of our passengers.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has unveiled 30 airport electric shuttle which will be used to complement airside and landside logistics.
The shuttle, which comprises 10 vehicles and 20 saloon cars, will cost N10,000 per passenger from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to the City Centre.
Speaking at the event, the governing board chairman of FAAN, Mr Abdullahi Ganduje, said: “Electric vehicles offer clear operational and environmental benefits. They are cleaner, quieter and more energy-efficient, significantly reducing carbon emissions and helping FAAN minimise its ecological footprint. Their use will contribute to healthier airport environments and a more comfortable work and travel experience.
“From a logistics standpoint, electric vehicles also enhance monitoring, coordination and compliance. Their predictable performance and lower maintenance demands improve operational planning, accountability and service reliability. Ultimately, this translates into more efficient, transparent and passenger-friendly services.
“This initiative directly supports global sustainability targets, including International Civil Aviation Organisation’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By embracing electric mobility, FAAN is positioning Nigerian airports to remain competitive, responsible and future-ready.”
Mr Ganduje pledged the commitment of the board to ensure that the initiative is utilised, maintained, and expanded to other airports in the country.
On her part, the managing director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku noted that the agency has secured approval to deploy 100 electric vehicles to operate as airport shuttles at Lagos and Abuja airports.
“We have secured approval to deploy 100 Electric Vehicles (EVs) to operate as airport shuttles at both Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. It is a monumental step towards greening our operations and reducing our carbon footprint.”
“We proudly begin this journey with the first phase: the launch of these 10 state-of-the-art electric shuttle buses. They represent more than just transport; they symbolise cleaner air, quieter terminals, and a to pioneering sustainable infrastructure in Nigerian aviation”.
She expressed optimism that the initiative would be replicated across all airports in the country.
The head of Fleet Operations of Possible EVS, Mrs Abimbola Gyer while stating that the transport fare would be subsidised for passengers, added that operations would commence from 7am to 7pm daily.
“We partner with NEV Electric, the manufacturer of the electric buses. We would be moving passengers from the airport to the city centre at the rate of N10,000 and as demand continues, we will expand our hub. The operations will start from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m daily,” she noted.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The travel and tourism service powered by Interswitch, Quickteller Travel, has been issued a certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
With IATA certification, Quickteller Travel is now fully equipped to connect African travellers to global destinations, support airlines and partners with reliable distribution and settlement, and set a new standard for trusted, digitally enabled travel across the continent.
The IATA accreditation reinforces Quickteller Travel’s operational credibility, compliance standards, and ability to deliver secure, efficient, and globally recognised travel services.
It also strengthens the platform’s positioning as a reliable partner for airline bookings, corporate travel management, and end-to-end travel solutions across Africa and beyond.
The certification is a milestone that places the brand among a global network of trusted and accredited travel service providers.
This achievement comes at a time when Africa’s travel and tourism sector is experiencing renewed growth, driven by increased business travel, regional connectivity, and digital adoption.
With IATA certification, Quickteller Travel is poised to offer individuals, SMEs, corporate organisations, airlines, and other travel stakeholders a seamless digital experience, supported by Interswitch’s trusted payment infrastructure.
Integrated into the broader Quickteller and Interswitch ecosystem, Quickteller Travel combines global accreditation with local insight, offering African travellers and businesses a secure, seamless, and digitally empowered experience.
The Vice President for Transport Ecosystem at Interswitch, Ms Nnenna Ajanwachuku, said, “The IATA certification is a strong validation of Quickteller Travel’s operational standards, governance, and commitment to excellence. It enhances trust for travellers, corporate partners, and global airline stakeholders who rely on accredited platforms for secure and transparent travel transactions.
“For Interswitch, this milestone reinforces our mission to build technology-led solutions that unlock access, simplify commerce, and connect Africa to the global economy.”
Ms Ajanwachuku added that the approval would enable Quickteller Travel to deepen partnerships with airlines and travel service providers while offering customers greater confidence, choice, and value.
“Quickteller Travel is not just a booking platform; it is part of an ecosystem designed to make travel more accessible, reliable, and digitally enabled for Africans. Powered by Interswitch’s heritage of trust and innovation, we are building a platform that meets global standards while responding to local travel needs,” she said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Two key players in the Nigerian aviation industry, Emirates and Air Peace, have activated a bilateral interline agreement aimed to expand air connectivity between Africa, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and London.
The two airline operators are building on their existing partnership to offer their passengers frictionless, single-ticket travel and with through-checked baggage, on select routes, resulting in greater travel comfort and convenience for customers.
Beyond the 13 cities in Nigeria already available for Emirates passengers on Air Peace’s network, the enhanced interline agreement now enables travellers to connect with Banjul in Gambia and Dakar in Senegal, both via Abidjan; and with Freetown in Sierra Leone and Monrovia in Liberia, both via Accra. The additional gateways allow more passengers in Africa to access Emirates world-class product and services, and vast global network.
The agreement allows Air Peace to connect its extensive West and Central African route system into Emirates’ hub in Dubai, and on key destinations including London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London Stansted, Abidjan, Accra and, of course, Lagos.
With huge demand for travel between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, providing Air Peace passengers with increased choice, flexibility, and global reach.
Emirates operates a Boeing 777-300ER on its Dubai-Lagos route, providing travellers with one of the best experiences in the sky.
Passengers can dine on regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages, while tuning in to over 6,500 channels of global entertainment – including Nollywood classics – on ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system.
As one of only two airlines operating a First Class cabin into Nigeria, Emirates offers an unrivalled travel experience defined by comfort, privacy and luxurious touches.
With a fleet of over 50 aircraft including Boeing 777s, Boeing 737s, Embraers, Air Peace operates an expanding network of domestic, regional, and international services, connecting major cities across Africa and beyond.
The airline remains committed to strengthening intra-African connectivity, supporting trade and tourism, and contributing meaningfully to economic development across the continent.
“Enhancing our interline partnership with Air Peace allows us to expand our footprint across more of Africa, creating new opportunities for people to fly better with Emirates, while helping international tourists explore more of the region, via Lagos.
“We remain committed to working with strategic partners such as Air Peace to further strengthen Nigeria’s aviation, tourism and trade sectors,” the Chief Commercial Officer for Emirates, Mr Adnan Kazim, said.
His counterpart at Air Peace, Nowel Ngala, while commenting, said, “This interline agreement with Emirates represents a major step in Air Peace’s strategic vision to connect Africa more efficiently to global markets.
“By combining our strong regional presence with Emirates’ extensive international network, we are delivering seamless connectivity, improved travel experience, and greater access to key global destinations for African travellers. This partnership further reinforces Air Peace’s role as a critical bridge between Africa and the global aviation ecosystem.”
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