flydubai has allocated six next-generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft to operate as all-cargo flights to enable the movement of essential goods across its network and beyond.

This follows the temporary suspension of passenger operations as part of the precautionary measures announced by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the UAE.

Hamad Obaidalla, chief commercial officer at flydubai said: “We recognise that air cargo has an important role to play in supporting the continuity of the supply chain and the efforts at a government and a private sector level to ensure the movement of essential supplies especially during these unprecedented times.”

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, air cargo has been a vital partner in delivering medicines, medical equipment, perishables, valuable goods, courier, spare parts, electronic items and post office mail to affected areas. The carrier is utilising the cargo hold capacity in its passenger aircraft and has been working with the authorities to increase its cargo capabilities by allowing cargo in the cabin to a number of destinations.