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Flydubai launches Almaty operations

Flydubai further expanded its network in Central Asia with the inaugural flight to Almaty, which landed on Tuesday at Almaty International Airport and was met by a traditional water cannon salute.

This marked the start of the airline’s operations to Kazakhstan.

Flydubai has built up a network of 80 destinations across 41 countries and many of these destinations were previously underserved from Dubai, including Ashgabat in Turkmenistan, Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan and Dushanbe in Tajikistan.

Ghaith Al Ghaita, Hussain Nasser Lootah and Suhail Mattar Al Ketbi upon arrival at Almaty International Airport on Tuesday. — Supplied photo

Upon arrival in Almaty the inaugural flight was received by Akhmetzhan Yessimov, Mayor of Almaty; Askar Mussinov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan; Suhail Mattar Al Ketbi, UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan; Askar Shokybayev, Consul General of Kazakhstan in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and other senior officials.

On board the flight were Director General of Dubai Municipality, Hussain Nasser Lootah; flydubai’s Chief Executive Officer, Ghaith Al Ghaith, and senior vice president Commercial (UAE, EU, ME, CIS), Jeyhun Efendi.

Commenting on the launch of flights, Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “The start of flydubai’s direct flights from Dubai to Almaty and Shymkent, provide a convenient link between these economic hubs in the Middle East and Central Asia. It marks a milestone in the relations between our countries and sees the expansion of flydubai’s network in the region to five countries.”

Kazakhstan and the UAE have both demonstrated impressive growth in various industries, including oil, Islamic finance and construction. With flights from Dubai operating four times a week to Almaty and twice a week to Shymkent, these routes present new opportunities for increasing business, tourism and trade.

With breathtaking natural landscapes, unspoilt nature reserves, rugged snow-capped mountains and ancient cities, Kazakhstan is the perfect destination for skiing, hiking, mountain climbing and sightseeing and is only a four-hour direct flight from Dubai.

Commenting on flydubai’s growing network, Jeyhun Efendi said: “We are pleased to increase capacity between Dubai and Kazakhstan. Business Class will be available on our flights to Almaty and Shymkent, providing passengers with a more personal and comfortable travel experience. In addition our inflight entertainment system, with over 1,000 hours of entertainment, is available in English, Arabic and Russian.”

During the trip to Almaty the airline showcased its Business Class offering and its ever-expanding network.

— abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com