Press Release

NOVEMVER 5, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Maiko Chitashvili
flydubai Public Relations and
Media Service Provider in Georgia
maiko@publicity.ge

flydubai jets into Georgia

Dubai-based low cost airline inaugurates 45^th route as flights begin to Tbilisi

[PUBLICITY.GE] TBILISI, 5 November 2011: flydubai, Dubai's pioneering low-cost airline, celebrated the start of operations to its 45th international destination yesterday (4 November 2011) with the launch of direct flights to Tbilisi in Georgia.

The inaugural flight represents an important milestone in the development of relations between the two nations with flydubai the first UAE airline to offer direct flights between the UAE and Georgia.

flydubai Flight FZ713 took off from Dubai Terminal 2 at 2345hrs yesterday, landing at Tbilisi International Airport at 0315hrs this morning, expanding the airline's network in Central and Eastern Europe to 11 destinations; it also spans Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Turkmenistan.

HE Jamal Al Hai, ESVP Communications & International Affairs, Dubai Airports, and Member of the UAE Parliament (FNC), said: "On behalf of the UAE Government, I would like to congratulate flydubai and the Georgian authorities on the start of this new direct service, which I am sure will help to build many new relations between our respective nations. The UAE is always open to new opportunities with other emerging nations and from today we can look forward to working closer with Georgia in the years to come."

Speaking at a press conference in Tbilisi, flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said: "I would like to thank the Georgian authorities for extending a warm welcome to flydubai and for their strong support in establishing operations to Tbilisi.  At flydubai, we aim to connect Dubai to emerging destinations and we are very excited about the route to Tbilisi - a capital steeped in history. In addition to promoting travel and tourism between our nations, we hope that these new flights will play a role in forging future collaborations in the various fields of common interest such as banking and real estate."

Vera Kobalia, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development addressed the audience and talked about the importance of expanding the Georgian Air-Market in different directions: "Georgia is becoming more and more attractive for foreign airlines and the interest from Arab airline to enter is another example. The decision will increase passenger flow between Georgia and the United Arab Emirates and have a positive impact on the trade and tourism cooperation between two countries."

George Karbelashvili, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, agreed that the new Tbilisi services will help encourage tourism and foster two-way trade links. "Dubai and Tbilisi share many core sectors of industry, which will benefit from the introduction of these direct flights. I see flydubai as a key partner to help us promote our country to tourists and the business community in the UAE and wider Middle East looking to visit Central and Eastern Europe.

Mete Erkal the General Manager of TAV Georgia, which operates Tbilisi International Airport, said: "I am delighted to welcome flydubai's first flight to Tbilisi. I am confident these flights will help to increase the opportunities for trade and commerce between the two countries. I wish the operation of flydubai between Tbilisi and the UAE great success."

Tbilisi is the largest city in Georgia and a popular tourist destination thanks to its picturesque setting on hillsides either side of the Mtkvari River. Operating as the capital of Georgia since the 5th century, the city is home to several historical attractions including the fourth-century Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church, sixth-century Anchiskhati Basilica and the sulphar baths of Abanotubani. 

From its historical beginnings, Tbilisi has evolved to a 1.5 million-strong cosmopolitan city nurturing a fast-developing business environment, a vibrant cultural scene and exciting nightlife. International business tourism has also surged in recent years with the influx of new projects in the real estate, hospitality, retail and leisure sectors. It is also a dynamic political, cultural, and economic hub.

Flight Details

FZ713 departs Dubai Terminal 2 at 2345hrs on Mondays and Fridays, landing in Tbilisi International Airport at 0315hrs local time. The return flight FZ714 departs at 0355hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0720hrs.

Inaugural fares for a one-way trip from Dubai to Tbilisi start at AED 480 and fares from Tbilisi to Dubai start at AED 519. Fares include one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and one small laptop bag or hand bag. Checked baggage starts at AED 50 for 20kgs. A seat with extra legroom costs AED100 extra.

Flights between Dubai and Tbilisi can be purchased from flydubai's website (www.flydubai.com), its call centre (+9714 301 0800) and through travel partners.

Caption:

-ends-

Note to editors:

About flydubai:

Established in March 2008, flydubai is Dubai's first low-cost airline and the fastest growing start-up airline in the world. Since commencing operations in June 2009, the airline has established an operational route network of 45 destinations across GCC, Middle East, North Africa, Indian Sub-Continent, Asia and the fringes of Europe and has built up a fleet of 20 aircraft. Owned by the government of Dubai, the low-cost carrier supports the city's commercial and tourism sectors by serving all travellers and providing them with affordable air links to a range of destinations. The airline is dedicated to quality service and comfortable travel, lowering costs by optimising operational efficiencies and offering the passenger more choice. 

For more information about flydubai services, please visit www.flydubai.com or contact the call centre (+9714 301 0800) or travel partners.

Note to editors:

For further information, please contact:

Heather Astbury, PR Manager for flydubai at Mobile: (+971) 50 950 8420; Email: heather.astbury@flydubai.com