DUBAI – flydubai, Dubai's low-cost airline, has announced the launch of cargo operations in Russia as it seeks to grow its fledgling freighter business. The airline said it will operates regular flights from four Russian cities - Kazan, Samara, Ufa and Yekaterinburg, to the UAE. Goods will be shipped on its fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the carrier said in a statement. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “Russia is an important market for Flydubai and the start of our cargo operations reinforces our commitment to providing a wider range of affordable services. “We are confident that through enabling regional businesses to ship their goods directly to Dubai, and further afield, it will assist in developing new trade links between our countries and allowing a greater range of goods, including perishable items, to be transported.” flydubai Cargo started operations last January. The airline has in place a number of interline agreements with other carriers including Emirates Airline, Singapore Airlines and British Airways to ship cargo beyond flydubai's own network. Last month, the carrier reported its first profit for 2012 and is planning to boost its growth this year by adding six new aircraft to its 50-strong fleet. – Agencies
