Aviation360 MEA

Flydubai has signed a new agreement with Smartwings, the Czech Republic-based airline, to wet lease four Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft between 17 October 2023 and 16 April 2024.

Flydubai has entered into a new agreement with Smartwings, known as the Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) agreement. This collaboration entails the deployment of four leased aircraft from Smartwings to augment flydubai’s existing fleet of 79 Boeing 737 aircraft. This strategic move aims to bolster the airline’s capacity and effectively address the heightened demand for travel, particularly during peak travel periods.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, the CEO of flydubai, expressed his satisfaction with the new wet lease agreement with Smartwings. This marks the third such agreement between the two carriers since 2019. Notably, Smartwings boasts IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification and possesses substantial expertise in ACMI agreements. The incorporation of these four additional aircraft into flydubai’s operations is anticipated to uphold operational efficiency, amplify capacity across the airline’s network, and minimize potential disruptions for passengers, especially during the busiest travel season of the year.

Presently, flydubai operates an exclusive fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, encompassing 30 Next-Generation Boeing 737-800, 46 Boeing 737 MAX 8, and three Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.

Jiri Juran, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Smartwings, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the signing of their third ACMI wet lease agreement with flydubai. This collaboration is highly valued, as it facilitates the optimization of aircraft utilization and offers enhanced opportunities for skilled personnel during the winter season.

The newly added aircraft, all of which are designed for Economy Class, are slated to serve specific routes within the flydubai network, including Chattogram, Colombo, Dhaka, Karachi, and Muscat.