Flydubai is the first operator of Boeing 737 MAX 8 in the Middle East region. Their B737 MAX features fully flat Business Class and new Economy Class. Currently Flydubai regularly deploy their B737 MAX 8 on longer route to Europe such as Prague, Kiev, Catania, Krakow, Belgrade, Bucharest.
I chose flydubai on a recent trip to Kiev, Ukraine to attend the Ukraine Grand Aviation Tour.
Flydubai use Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport. The airline has dedicated Business Class check in desks and a lounge. For economy class flyer, you may use the pay lounge - Marhaba Lounge (Marhaba lounge accept Priority Pass, Lounge Key etc)
FlyDubai Business Class Lounge
The Business lounge is split into 2 floors, the second floor is far quieter and have a bar. The main floor has an extensive buffet station. It wasn't overly busy during the peak morning departure period when I was there. The food choices are excellent.
Business Boarding Gate
All boarding is done by bus in Dubai Terminal 2 as the plane is parked at remote stand. There are no air-bridges for boarding. However, Flydubai has a dedicated business class boarding gate near gate 1. There are even food and drinks at the gate for those who are in a rush to grab.
Business Class passengers have their own dedicated bus to the plane. I enjoyed the scenery across the tarmac.
Rightfully registered, A6-MAX is Flydubai first B737 MAX 8 which operated the flight to Kiev. Flying time was 5 hours and 5 minutes.
There are 10 Business Class seats in Flydubai Business Class cabin. The seats are arranged in a staggered configuration. The first and third row have 2 seats on each side. The second row has one seat on each side. My seat is 2B, a "throne" seat with no one to share with. You can choose your seat during flight booking and online check-in on Flydubai website.
There were only 5 passengers in Business Class on my flight.
This is the footwell in front of the seat. There are plenty of storage. A bottle of water and noise cancelling headset is placed next to the seat. USB charging points and powerpoint are standard features on the Flydubai B737 MAX.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 comes with the Boeing signature sky interior which offers more headroom and a spacious perception.
We took off on runway 30L and climbed over Deira on our climb out. I have noticed how quiet the LEAP engine on the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was.
Flight attendant came around with drinks and snacks. They also brought a nice blanket. I tried out the flat bed. It was really long when in fully recline mode, but as expected, my foot movement is restricted by the tight footwell in front. The best position of sleeping I achieved, is to turn side way. I did manage to sleep over 2 hours on this flight. Aisle seat in row 1 and 3 seems to have bigger footwell then the "throne" seats.
We have a choice of eggs or pancake on our flight. The meals are presented in nice diningwares like proper Business Class dining.
The in-flight entertainment on Flydubai B737 MAX 8 is fantastic. It is easy to operate with a touch of your finger on the screen. I enjoyed 2 Russian movies with English subtitles.
Here is a picture of the first row (extra legroom) of Flydubai's economy class on the Boeing 737 MAX 8. You can reserve the first row online for 150 AED for this sector but you have to pay 200 AED if you choose to do an "upgrade" on-board.
Before landing, the flight attendant came around again to offer a basket of snacks.
Conclusion
There are very few carriers that offer fully flat seat on the B737 in Business Class. (I actually can't think of one, unless it is a 737 BBJ)
Flydubai Business Class offers an excellent product that caters to those passengers who choose to pay premium. I have a very enjoyable 5 hours flight with them. I would definitely recommend row 2 (the throne seat) if you're flying Business Class alone. The Boeing 737 MAX is an incredible quiet airplane over its predecessor.
Be aware the flat bed Business Class seat is only on the B737 MAX aircraft, which generally deploy on longer routes. Flydubai currently operate many B737-800s which feature recliners in Business Class.
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