Dubai launches low cost airline 'FlyDubai'

Dubai, Jun 26: Dubai's new low cost airline has been named 'FlyDubai' which will start operations to Gulf Arab states and surrounding countries, including the Indian subcontinent, by mid next year.

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, has approved the name FlyDubai from a shortlist. The low cost airline will be independent of Dubai's premium carrier Emirates. Chairman of Emirates and FlyDubai, Sheikh Ahmed, said, ''FlyDubai's operations will potentially cover an area of some two billion inhabitants. It will launch its first flight by mid-2009.''

UNI