flydubai confirms Muscat and Kuwait services and interest in India

flydubai confirmed plans to launch twice daily Dubai-Muscat and twice daily Dubai-Kuwait services from 28-Mar-2010 and 30-Mar-2010, respectively - see Route Changes Table for more information (Kuwait Times, 22-Mar-2010). The new services will expand the carrier's network to 13 destinations. CEO, Ghaith Al-Ghaith, stated there is a market of 2.5 billion people in the Gulf region, India, Pakistan, Iran, the CIS countries and Africa, hinting that flydubai would be interested in serving these markets. The carrier reportedly announced a proposal to launch services from Dubai to Indian destinations, including from Lucknow, Chandigarh and Kozhikode in Northern Summer 2010 (The Economic Times, 23-Mar-2010). flydubai deferred plans to launch services to India in Aug-2009, due to regulatory delays. The carrier is scheduled take delivery of six additional B737s by the end of 2010, increasing its fleet to 13 aircraft. Delivery of the carrier's total order for 50 B737s is expected to be completed by 2015/16.