Flydubai’s business-class suites to take off this year
Flydubai has released images of its new business-class suites, which the airline plans to introduce this year.
It will add 10 private premium suites on some of its flights, with the first aircraft featuring the facilities expected to join its fleet in November.
They will feature on a further six aircraft in the first quarter of next year, with plans to focus on longer routes.
The low-cost airline unveiled the suites at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
They have been designed for single-aisle aircraft.
Flydubai will become the first airline to introduce the seats, which give passengers direct access to the aisle, on Boeing planes. Each suite allows passengers to choose their level of privacy by closing doors or leaving them open for a more familiar style of seating.
Each suite features a 17-inch, built-in touchscreen monitor, which will be compatible with Bluetooth headphones.
There is to be ambient lighting to provide a relaxing environment during the flight, while passengers will also be able to take advantage of additional baggage space.
“Flydubai is committed to exceeding expectations,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, the airline’s chief executive.
“Our business and product offerings have evolved from the initial no-frills model over the past 14 years to cater to the ever-growing needs of our customers and the markets we operate to.
“Today, we are proud to unveil a new premium product that rivals the business-class experience offered by many airlines on wide-body aircraft.
“We will continue to invest in innovation to enhance the customer experience across our growing fleet.”
Flydubai first introduced business-class cabins in 2013.
Reclining business-class seats are available on some of the Boeing 737 Max 8 planes the airline uses for short and medium-haul flights.
Lie-flat business-class seats are offered on some medium and long-haul routes.
Etihad Airways also used the first day of the travel event to unveil its new business-class suites. The facilities are to be introduced on the airline’s new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which will be added to its fleet in the third quarter of this year.
Each suite features doors to improve privacy.
They are taller than the suites on board its Airbus A350 models to allow passengers to enjoy even more tranquillity during their journeys. The seats recline to create some of the longest beds installed on aircraft.
The suites also feature one of the largest entertainment screens – the 17.3-inch monitors can be linked to headphone using Bluetooth.
The suites also offer wireless charging and have plenty of storage for luggage.