The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Coimbatore News : flydubai to operate services from Coimbatore

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Sunday, Jun 28, 2009
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flydubai to operate services from Coimbatore

Staff Reporter

Thrice-a-week service will mark third international air connectivity for airport
The fare will be Rs. 4,700

Coimbatore: Dubai’s low-cost airliner flydubai will operate its Coimbatore – Dubai service from July 15. The launch of Coimbatore – Dubai thrice a week service on July 15 will mark the third international air connectivity for Coimbatore Airport.

Talking to ‘The Hindu’, Airport Director M.R. Vasudeva said that Coimbatore already had international connectivity to Singapore by Silk Air besides Sharjah by Air Arabia. Mr. Vasudeva said that flydubai service to Dubai was supposed to be the fourth international air connectivity, however because of the temporary suspension of the Coimbatore – Colombo service, Dubai had become the third international destination.

However, both in terms of passenger and aircraft movement, Coimbatore Airport had been on a growth trajectory. The airport as on date has 12 international aircraft movements per week (12 movements indicate six landings and six take-offs). With flydubai operating three services a week, the number of movements would go up to 18. Services to domestic destinations contribute for 22 aircraft movements a day. The average passenger movement per month was close to 70,000 to 80,000, thus, putting the average at 10 lakh passengers an year.

Chief Executive Officer of flydubai Ghaith Al Ghaith said India, an important market, was the fifth country for the airliner to commence services. flydubai will begin its Indian operations with flights to Lucknow on July 13 followed by Coimbatore on July 14 and to Chandigarh on July 23. There is a huge Indian expatriate population living in the UAE and an even larger number of people keen to travel to the region for both business and pleasure, he said.

FZ450 will depart for Dubai from Lucknow on July 14 and will operate four times per week and the fare would be Rs. 4,700, including all taxes and one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 10 kg. The weekly thrice Coimbatore service, FZ414 will take off for Dubai on July 15 and the fare would be Rs. 4,700. FZ432 will become the first international flight to depart from Chandigarh airport on July 23 and the fare would be Rs. 3,700.

Bookings could be made on www.flydubai.com or by calling 1 860 266 3366. Passengers will be charged only for the services availed. The fare included all taxes and one piece of hand baggage, weighing up to 10 kg.

Passengers had the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at just Rs. 500 for the first piece, weighing up to 32 kg, subject to availability and only pre-purchased baggage can be guaranteed. Payment of Rs. 650 secures the extra legroom positions and food could be purchased on board. Bookings could be changed for a small fee, plus any difference in the fare.

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