Fast-expanding United Arab Emirates (UAE) low-cost carrier flydubai is to introduce a two-class product on selected flights from the final quarter of this year as the region sees its first major transition in the low-cost airline model towards a more hybrid set-up. The airline says the decision has been driven by feedback from its passengers, across its network of 60 destinations and will see changes to both its ground and onboard offering but will not impact its existing route development strategy.

The new Business Class product from the carrier will include the introduction of a dedicated cabin at the front of its Boeing 737-800s with three rows of more spacious 2x2 seating. This will result in the overall capacity of its 737-800s declining from 189 seats currently to 174 when the new cabin is incorporated, a 14.3 per cent decline in Economy seating and an overall 7.9 decline in aircraft capacity.

“We are very pleased to announce the evolution of our passenger offering as we continue to meet the travel needs of our customers. The introduction of Business Class will provide greater choice for our passengers, who will have access to faster check-in services, comfortable and spacious seating and can enjoy a variety of internationally -inspired menus during their journey,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer, flydubai. “Both our business and leisure travellers can now benefit from a more personal flying experience. flydubai is ready for business and we look forward to continuing to offer our passengers reliable and accessible travel services, whether in Economy or Business Class.”

flydubai’s Business Class cabin will be configured with 12 leather seats offering a seat pitch of 42 inches. The in-flight entertainment system will offer a high definition touchscreen of 12.1 inches and passengers will benefit from having their own dedicated cabin crew who will offer a selection of complimentary hot and cold meals, subject to the duration of the flight.

On the ground Business Class passengers will be able to take advantage of flydubai’s priority check-in, conveniently located just 120 paces from the car park, as well as the new facilities at the recently upgraded and expanded Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport. They will also be able to relax in a new flydubai’s Business Class lounge ahead of their flight and will have access to priority baggage collection upon arrival at their destination.

The new configuration will be incorporated on all future 737-800s and will be retrofitted across the existing fleet from the end of this year. flydubai is expected to receive four additional 737-800s during the second half of this year, including the first dual-class aircraft in August 2013, although it is not planning to bring it into scheduled operation until October 2013.

“flydubai’s agility and flexibility has been an integral part of our young airline’s journey since its launch four years ago. We are committed to innovation and expanding the range of services on offer for both our business and leisure travellers. We have provided easier access for our passengers to 44 previously underserved markets, creating free flows of trade and tourism, to support Dubai’s economic development. Passengers will now be able to enjoy these services on destinations across our network including some that have never offered business class air travel before,” added Al Ghaith.

In the table below we highlight flydubai’s largest O&D markets from its Dubai International Airport base in 2012. The carrier is expected to reveal which of its routes will initially feature the new two-class 737-800s from August when it will formally open reservations for the new Business Class product.