Dubai, Apr 7: The prevailing financial crisis has not deterred the emirate of Dubai to launch a new low cost airline, called Flydubai.

The new airline aims at offering an easy and affordable way to travel in the Middle East region, starting with two next-generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with 189 economy seats each.

Flydubai Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Maktum, speaking to reporters on Monday, said that the airline would start flights next June to Beirut and Amman. Flydubai

Flydubai will be based at Terminal 2 of Dubai International Airport and has already appointed over 60 captains, 18 first officers and 80-cabin crew.

The airline has simplified the check-in process by issuing boarding passes, instead of paper or e-tickets, which means passengers are checked-in once their booking is paid for.

Passengers will be ale to book online at flydubai. com at no charge or through the flydubai call centre. The fare includes all taxes and a 10 kg hand baggage allowance.

CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith has said that Flydubai as a true low cost airline, has look very hard at ways to make its operations more efficient and added: "If we find a cost that can be eliminated, we will - with savings passed onto our customers." (ANI)