flydubai 2014: profits maintained despite rapid growth in destinations. 2015 fleet to reach 50 737s

flydubai broadly maintained its profit in 2014 with a net margin at 5.7%. This is despite high costs from a rapid increase in the number of destinations, with flydubai on average adding a new destination every 16 days during 2014, its largest growth yet. flydubai opened as many destinations in 2014 as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways combined. flydubai served more destinations than Etihad. While its Gulf home market remained strong, other markets, including Russia, showed weakness.

flydubai's 2014 net profit grew 12% to AED250 million (USD68 million), slower than its 19% increase in revenue but faster than its 10% capacity (ASK) growth. This was flydubai's third consecutive annual profit since its 2009 launch. The yield-driven airline improved its load factor to 65% - a record, but still with much opportunity for growth. 2014 had distortions due to the Dubai runway works forcing reduced capacity. Normalising this, ASK growth was 16% and 2015 so far shows 17% growth as flydubai takes seven more 737s - including its 50th.