Flydubai to deploy new Boeing 737 Max on flights to Sicily

Dubai carrier flydubai has started direct flights to Sicily as part of its partnership with Emirates, it announced on Thursday.

The daily route from Dubai to Catania will be operated with flydubai’s new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, the airline said in a statement.

Flydubai was the first in the Middle East to take delivery of the aircraft.

Liborio Stellino, Italy’s Ambassador to the UAE, said: “The new flydubai connection with Catania will enable, in an effective way, for the South of Italy to be directly linked to Dubai’s extensive air network.

“Such a positive development in connectivity is going to become immediately a very useful tool for both countries.”

The route is being offered to Emirates customers under a codeshare deal. For bookings under the codeshare, Emirates passengers will receive complimentary meals and the Emirates checked baggage allowance on flights operated by flydubai.

Thierry Aucoc, SVP, Commercial Operations (Europe & Russian Federation) for Emirates said: “Our partnership with flydubai enables travellers in Catania and the greater surrounding area to easily access destinations across Emirates network.

“We also expect the route to boost the number of visitors to the region, particularly from key inbound markets like Melbourne and Sydney.”

Flydubai’s route network in Europe now includes 27 destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland (from October), Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey and Ukraine.

The new Catania route is operational from June 13, with business class return fares starting from Dhs9,745 and economy class return prices beginning from Dhs1,895.

FlyDubai also launched flights to Aqaba, Jordan and Greece’s Thessaloniki Airport earlier this month.

Read more: Flydubai begins flights to Greece’s Thessaloniki