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ydubai Business Class B737-800 Yerevan to Dubai ( ight FZ718)
ydubai Business Class B737-800 YEREVAN TO DUBAI (FLIGHT FZ718)
BACKGROUND flydubai has operated this route since 2010 and remains the only carrier to o er a business class service between the UAE and Yerevan, the Armenian capital. With travel and business ties between this Caucasus nation and the Middle East region growing, in sectors including tourism, agriculture, solar energy and technology, this route has expanded from primarily serving leisure and VFR tra ic, to catering to a growing number of business travellers. Yerevan has also become a short-break hotspot with GCC-based travellers. With a centuries-old history and one of the oldest known wine nations of 6,500 years, there is much to do and see in the city and beyond, from culture to outdoor adventure.
FREQUENCY Pre-pandemic, flydubai served Yerevan daily. At time of press, the service had become so popular, particularly during the summer, that frequencies were upped to 10 flights a week from July until October 2021. A steady performer for the airline, Yerevan is among its top 15 routes in terms of tra ic, with 51,000 passengers carried between January and July 2021. ABOUT FLYDUDBAI’S B737-800 flydubai operates a single fleet-type of 54 Boeing 737 aircraft, which includes 36 Next-Generation B737-800s. Designed with e iciency in mind, this aircraft uses less fuel per seat than the original Next-Generation Boeing 737. The newly launched cabins include a fully flat bed in business and new RECARO seats in economy, designed to o er more space and privacy, e iciency, reliability, and passenger comfort. Passengers flying on these aircraft also enjoy complimentary in-flight entertainment streamed wirelessly to their personal mobile devices, laptops and tablets. This replaces the seatback entertainment system in the economy cabin.
CHECK-IN The system was down when we arrived three hours prior to the flight, so we waited 30 minutes to be checked in, although things ran smoothly from there. The airport was very organised with sta on hand to ensure queuing was orderly and people were wearing masks, mandated at
BEST FOR Service
CONFIGURATION 2-2 in business
SEAT WIDTH 21 inches
SEAT PITCH 42 inches
FLIGHT TIME 3 hours
PRICE From AED5,200 (business) in October
CONTACT flydubai.com
the airport and on flights, though not in Armenia after the rules changed on July 1. The Converse Bank lounge at Yerevan was bright, airy and spacious, with plenty of food and beverages, including local wine, cognac, fruits and cheese.
BOARDING This was a little more chaotic than check-in. There was no fast-track boarding organised for business-class passengers and the waiting time was long at both the gate then at the entrance to the aircraft, the reason for which sta could not explain.
THE SEAT I was sat in seat D2, which was not my first choice as I prefer the front, row, but I wanted to sit with my partner and the front row was taken. We were given luxurious velvety blankets and cushions, and there was plenty of room to work on the laptop comfortably too. The seats are designed from soft Italian leather with built-in lumbar support.
BEST SEAT The front-row window seats, with no one in front of you to recline their chair, so it feels even more spacious.
THE FLIGHT International dishes served on the flight included three mains: pan-fried dory, braised beef and shallots and a vegetarian option, stu ed koosa. Green lentil salad with sun-dried tomatoes was a healthy starter, o set with a more indulgent baked cheesecake to finish. Entertainment is plentiful on these short flights, with up-to-date movies and TV shows available, so the time passes quickly. Wi-Fi is also available to purchase.
ARRIVAL Despite a delay taking o , we made up time during the flight and landed at Dubai International just 10 minutes behind schedule. COVID-19 testing was not mandatory on arrival from Armenia so after a priority disembarkation for business class passengers and a smooth smart gate airport exit as a UAE resident, I was out of the airport very quickly.
VERDICT flydubai’s business class is perfect for short trips. It’s comfortable, spacious and the service is attentive, but discreet. Sta are polite and helpful, and always wear a genuine smile. It is also a great luxury for those concerned about social distancing. The upgrade option is a smart way to take advantage of leftover seats, with a bidding service, available on the airline’s website, o ering upgrades from economy to business from just $200. COVID-19 insurance cover is also included in all ticket prices. Melanie Swan
