based flydubai marked its inaugural flight to Calicut in Kerala, India last Feb. 1. The airline is operating flights three times a week connecting Dubai International (DXB) to Calicut International Airport (CCJ). With this launch, flydubai now offers 30 weekly flights to and from Dubai to eight destinations in India. On the launch of operations, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: "As the first Dubai-based carrier to operate direct flights from Dubai to Calicut, we expect this route to be very popular for travellers from the UAE to the region. Similarly, passengers from Calicut now have easier access to popular destinations on the flydubai network as well as the Emirates network providing easy access to more destinations when visiting family and friends." Speaking at the press conference on Monday to mark the start of flights to Calicut, Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Subcontinent and Africa) at flydubai, said: "With the commencement of our service to Calicut passengers will be able to connect to hundreds of destinations. flydubai's professional and friendly service on board will offer an exceptional travel experience whether travelling for business or leisure." K Srinivasa Rao, Director of Calicut International Airport, said: "We are very much elated and feeling proud to welcome flydubai to Calicut International Airport; the gateway to Malabar Region. On behalf of the Airport Authority of India, I extend all our best wishes and commit 100% cooperation for its successful journey at Calicut. I wish and I am also pretty sure that flydubai will be enhancing their frequency to daily flights very soon." Mohammed Shahid, Joint General Manager, Air Traffic Management of Calicut International Airport attended the press conference. Business Class services will be available on this route and offers faster check-in, priority ground services and onboard comfortable spacious seats. Passengers choosing Economy Class will be able to enjoy our innovatively-designed seats to optimize legroom and maximize comfort. Depending on their travel needs, they will be able to select between bundled (Flex/Value) or unbundled (Lite) fares. flydubai started operating to India in 2010 with the start of direct flights to Lucknow. With the commencement of this new route, the airline further grew its Indian network, which currently includes Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Lucknow and Mumbai. — SG
