Flydubai has allocated six Boeing 737-800 aircraft to the next generation to operate as full cargo flights, to ensure a flexible flow of commodity traffic across its network and outside.
The company said in a statement yesterday that this step comes in the wake of the temporary suspension of travelers' operations as part of the precautionary measures announced by the National Authority for Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management and the General Authority of Civil Aviation in the Emirates.
"We recognize the importance of air freight and its active role in supporting the continuity of the supply chain and efforts at the government and private sector level, to ensure the movement of basic supplies, especially during these unprecedented conditions," said Hamad Obaidullah, Chief Commercial Officer, flydubai.
He added that «with the continued repercussions resulting from the epidemic (Covid-19), air shipments remain a vital partner in providing medicines, medical equipment, perishable items, precious commodities, mail, spare parts and electronic tools to the affected areas.
Obaidullah explained that flydubai uses cargo storage capacity in passenger aircraft, and works with the authorities to increase cargo capabilities, by allowing cargo in the cabin to a number of destinations, in line with the recommendations issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Civil Aviation Organization International «ICAO». And that "flydubai cargo" provided 44 cargo flights that carried 146 tons of cargo, as the company operated relief flights to a number of countries affected by the travel restrictions.
- Use of storage capacity in passenger aircraft, by allowing cargo to be in the cabin.