Sky-high success and advancements: flydubai’s 23% YoY rise and 3D-printed electric abras

Dubai sets new transportation efficiency milestones with pioneering advancements in both marine and air transport systems. One such ground-breaking development is the introduction of the world’s first 3D-printed electric abra. The undertaking is part of the all-encompassing “Dubai Marine Transport Master Plan 2030,” which is spearheaded by His Highness (H.H.) Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

Simultaneously, Dubai-based airline flydubai has subsequently announced a record-breaking year-on-year (YoY) valuation. It has remarkably amassed AED 11.2 billion in total revenue in 2023, which is 23% higher than AED 9.1 billion in 2022.

This blog piece is the third in a series that navigates through Dubai’s transportation and mobility networks. It showcases the city’s relentless efforts to remain at the cutting edge of transportation technology.

The Dubai Marine Transport Master Plan 2030

Technological innovations and ambitious expansion plans are on the horizon for Dubai’s marine transport industry. The Dubai Marine Transport Master Plan 2030 is central to these roadmaps.

With the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan, the aforementioned strategy calls for the expansion of water transport stations from 48 to 79. These are ideally located along the Dubai Water Canal, Dubai Creek, the Arabian Gulf coastline, and other waterfront projects.

It also envisages a 32% rise in the marine transport fleet, from 196 to 258 marine vessels, by 2030. Moreover, the strategy seeks to build the world’s first electric abra (traditional wooden boats) utilising 3D-printing technology, which are designed to carry 20 passengers. Through the use of technology, it slashes the production costs of abras by 30% and total manufacturing time by 90%.

Today, I chaired the first meeting of @TECofDubai in it’s new formation. This marks the start of a new strategic phase to enhance the government's operational framework and consolidate Dubai's global stature. During the meeting, we approved Dubai's AED40 billion project portfolio… pic.twitter.com/B5s11FODTX

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) March 17, 2024

The launch of the strategy may coincide with the first trial run of self-driving electric wooden abras in Dubai’s waterways in May 2023. The water taxis reportedly adhered the path between Al Jaddaf and Dubai Festival City with perfect accuracy.

Manufactured with state-of-the-art features, including zero-carbon emissions and autonomous control systems, these vessels easily reflect Dubai’s vision to reduce environmental impact and enhance the passenger experience.

flydubai’s soaring profit and annual revenue

flydubai, a government-owned airline based in Dubai, persistently plays a key role in propelling its aviation sector to new heights. The airline company recently announced its impressive annual results for 2023.

It revealed a 75% surge in profits compared to the previous year — a total of AED 2.1 billion, up from AED 13.8 million in 2022. This exceptional achievement is attributed to flydubai’s strategic network expansion.

In 2023, flydubai launched 17 new routes, bringing its network to 122 destinations across 52 countries. Its fleet size also increased to 84 aircraft, with 13 new planes delivered. As a result, the airline’s workforce grew to 5,545, with more than 1,000 new hires joining different departments.

Overall, flydubai attained a total annual revenue of AED 11.2 billion in 2023, up from AED 9.1 billion the year before, representing a 23% rise. The array of progress undoubtedly aligns with Dubai’s vision of strengthening its aerial transportation infrastructure to promote greater connectivity, sustainability, and efficiency.

Towards a connected future

The Emirate of Dubai is leaving no stone unturned in its pursuit of a more efficient and organised transportation system. From the introduction of 3D-printed and autonomous abras to the expansion of airline fleet size and the resulting exceptional upsurge in revenues, the city’s efforts are undoubtedly making waves worldwide. Such developments are transforming the way we travel, and their impact is being felt across the globe.