Adaberz / Namaskar

Good afternoon

Mr Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Office, Flydubai distinghished members of the media fraternity from India and UAE, Ladies and Gentlemen...

I am delighted to be here with all of you today to witness history being made with the launch of flydubai's in India... On behalf of people of United Arab Emirates, I would take this opportunity to congratulate flydubai on its firts flight to the historic city of Lucknow.

The Dubai government formed flydubai in March 2008. Ever since its launch, flydubai has worked tirelessly to make low cost travel between Dubai and neighboring countries a reality.

Talking in specific about relationship between the two countries, UAE's economic, political and cultural links with India, which date back to more than a century ago, are matured and multi-dimensional. Bilateral trade has been steadily growing over the years and people-to-people contacts are constantly on the increase. Tourists from both sides are visiting for leisure and pleasure, and more and more UAE nationals are availing of healthcare and tourism facilities in India.

But I believe... more is less when it comes to UAE and India relations... As per statistics:

Today, UAE is not only one of India's biggest trading partner but (Partner number 1) we are ahead of US and China, with total trade of over US $48.3 billion we are also one of the major investors in India.

Both countries, today, have excellent air connectivity with over 475 flights per week and UAE national airlines like Etihad, Emirates, Air Arabia and now flydubai achieving over 64% of total flights operated in the region.

It is therefore important for both the UAE and India that we increase the people to people contact with the help of safe, affordable, quality air travel options that connect our countries.

I am confident flydubai will provide an excellent service to the people travelling between lucknow and Dubai and we look forward to the airline being able to expand services to outher Indian cities in the future.

I believe that with such initiatives, we can take the UAE-India relationship to a much higher level.

Thank you...