Dubai: flydubai announced the launch of a new division to support the airline's goal of making the transportation of goods and people across the region via Dubai simple, accessible and affordable.

flydubai Cargo, which is due to start on January 1, 2012, will transport goods to all of the low cost carrier's 46 destinations, as well as additional cities in India and Pakistan. Cargo, including perishable items, textiles, electronics, couriered items, mail, pharmaceuticals and general cargo, can originate from any point on the flydubai network or beyond.

Gaith Al Gaith, CEO of flydubai, said, "I am very pleased to announce the start of flydubai cargo, which is another significant achievement for the airline. Earlier this year we created our own Engineering and Maintenance division, and cargo is another example of our rapid expansion.

Unusual

"Not only is it unusual for a low cost carrier to have a cargo division, it is also rare for an airline as young as flydubai. But it is initiatives such as this that set us apart and ensure we continue to lead the way in low cost aviation, while also supporting Dubai's position as a logistics hub."

With 60 per cent of all shipments expected to be transit cargo, flydubai has signed interline agreements with other airlines when moving items outside its network. flydubai expects to carry 1,500 tonnes of cargo each month on its Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, which is equal to 15 Boeing 777 freighters.

In particular demand are auto parts travelling from Dubai to countries in the former CIS, handicrafts from Kathmandu and fruit and vegetables around the GCC countries.

Exemplary on-time record

"flydubai has an exemplary on time record and transporting cargo will be no different. It will also be fully security screened before being loaded onto the aircraft, ensuring safe flights for all our passengers and crew," added Al Ghaith.

Meanwhile, in line with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) e-freight initiative, all shipments will be transported with electronic documents rather than paper air waybills. The move is estimated to save $1.2 billion across the industry.

flydubai Cargo can be booked from 29 December 2011.