A well respected Dubai-based real estate developer plans to launch an airline, but the details (at least the ones we know so far) make zero sense.
In this post:
DAMAC Properties launching a luxury airline, or something
DAMAC Properties is one of the UAE’s largest real estate developers, and the company is now looking to expand its portfolio, by launching an airline, named DAMAC Air. Details so far are really limited, though the company has shared the below 15-second teaser about the concept (which features both a Boeing 787 and Airbus A380).
Here’s how DAMAC Properties describes the vision behind DAMAC Air:
DAMAC Air, a visionary initiative by DAMAC Properties, redefines luxury travel. We offer unparalleled journeys capturing the essence of the world’s most coveted tropical paradises.
Experience the serenity of Bali, the azure waters of the Maldives, and the vibrant spirit of Hawaii. Our innovative concept invites you to explore six world-renowned tropical locales: Bali, Maldives, Hawaii, Seychelles, Fiji, and Bora Bora.
DAMAC Air is more than travel; it’s a lifestyle blending exotic thrills with home comforts. We’re not just changing how you vacation; we’re transforming how you live. Welcome to a new era of luxury, where dream getaways await.
The company claims it will fly to six destinations, including Bali, Bora Bora, Fiji, Hawaii, Maldives, and Seychelles. Assuming the airline plans to operate these flights out of Dubai, that’s quite an ambitious project. Tahiti (a big jet can’t easily fly directly to Bora Bora) is over 10,000 miles from Dubai, so, ummm, that seems a bit unrealistic.
Let’s see how this concept evolves, I guess?
Several readers have brought the DAMAC Air concept to my attention, which is why I’m writing about it. As you can see, details are limited, so all we can do is speculate.
If the company behind this concept weren’t a successful real estate developer, I’d assume some kid created this for a school project, and that this wasn’t actually serious.
While I think a luxury airline based in Dubai could work, flying to six vacation destinations, some of which are literally on the other side of the globe, isn’t the idea that’s going to be successful.
Similarly, we’ve seen the launch of Beond Airlines, which is an all-business class airline that’s partly based in Dubai, though it operates routes primarily to and from the Maldives. You’d think it would be more logical to just operate all-premium flights between Dubai and closer destinations, including a mix of business and leisure markets.
So yeah, for now we’ll mark this as “developing,” as there are a lot more questions than answers.
Bottom line
Dubai-based DAMAC Properties reportedly wants to launch a luxury airline, which will fly to six vacation destinations around the globe, ranging from Bali to Fiji. This is a real head-scratcher, so I’m not sure what to think, though I guess we’ll find out more soon… maybe.
What do you make of the concept of DAMAC Air?
Hey Ben. I'm glad you wrote about it. Yes I know what teasers are but this is a horribly executed one. The details Damac included are rather unclear, especially the part where they called it an "initiative". What on earth does Damac mean by initiative?!. I guess Damac's better off teasing or revealing when they actually have more details. Also, I'm guessing that Damac might use wet-leased planes because I've haven't heard them ordering any airplane.
Update: On Damac's specially designed website, which is www.damacair.com, there is a countdown, and right now that counter is over 3 days. Hopefully Damac tells us more details after the countdown ends. Also, I don't live in Dubai so I don't understand Damac and their poor reputation that much
As a Dubai resident I can tell you that DAMAC has a TERRIBLE reputation. Probably the worst of all major developers. Would NEVER touch their properties, let alone fly with the same brand.
Recently in Dubai was borred and did a google search to see the value of a residences 44th floor confo we rented at the Five Luxe JBR for 8 nights. The DAMAc ads kept popping up. So i reached out. Before they replied googled the company. As suspected with those that actually pay for ads on Google wasn’t surprised to learn that those that invested were less then impressed with their end results and had...
Recently in Dubai was borred and did a google search to see the value of a residences 44th floor confo we rented at the Five Luxe JBR for 8 nights. The DAMAc ads kept popping up. So i reached out. Before they replied googled the company. As suspected with those that actually pay for ads on Google wasn’t surprised to learn that those that invested were less then impressed with their end results and had a 2 or 3 star review. To me this BS propaganda ad is an attempt to get leads of those with $ to solicit subpar property investments to.
Part 2
Watch after Jan 21st the price of oil will drop to 2/3 up to 1/2 the current value., Why because the biggest customer for oil will no longer import and will have surplus to export. Guess who that is and why it will change come Jan 21st?
The middle east will get fucked before their 2030 vision agenda deadline.
Dubai and Saudi Arabia are both like a ticking “Time share” bomb. They invest...
Part 2
Watch after Jan 21st the price of oil will drop to 2/3 up to 1/2 the current value., Why because the biggest customer for oil will no longer import and will have surplus to export. Guess who that is and why it will change come Jan 21st?
The middle east will get fucked before their 2030 vision agenda deadline.
Dubai and Saudi Arabia are both like a ticking “Time share” bomb. They invest oil funded profits to start the illusion of something great yet can’t complete without foreign investment.
They use imported slave labor workers to construct subpar buildings that will not last suckering in vaction investors with a tired time share investment flip or quick buck return. They prey on wealthy sanctioned usually communist countries by offering golden visas with investments to escape their countries.
They do have absolutely Fine Properties! Love their Luxury Condos!
Nope, would tend to disagree, in my opinion other developers have superior quality, they had the most problems in their products during the floods earlier this year
Dubai property developers do this kind of thing for marketing, they have no intention of launching this airline. Their properties are now generally of poor quality and they're trying to stay premium and relevant.
>Dubai property developers do this kind of thing for marketing, they have no intention of launching this airline.
That isn't surprising. Why fly on an airline owned by a property developer when you can charter a plane or book business (or first) class flights and book a few stays at a luxury hotel/resort? Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out to be a marketing stunt.
Sounds like a Four Seasons vacations type of product. It’s possible. There’s enough wealth in DXB. Also sounds like they have a large Rolodex of existing clients.
As pointed out, Bora Bora won’t work cuz of the runway…and not sure if people would transfer via PPT.
I’d also suggest Antarctica, a dream experience for the wealthy…obviously different than a sun destination…or maybe combined with a sun destination.
Just thoughts…
Looks very unrealistic but who knows! As per the comment on PPT, it could easily be done tagged onto HNL… it’s almost a direct routing at 11,262 miles vs 10,755 direct… Just 4.7% longer.
A luxury service like this could probably be done with once weekly flights. The uber rich might also book the entire package through Damac and they might make most of their money off selling extras and hotels… even if a flight...
Looks very unrealistic but who knows! As per the comment on PPT, it could easily be done tagged onto HNL… it’s almost a direct routing at 11,262 miles vs 10,755 direct… Just 4.7% longer.
A luxury service like this could probably be done with once weekly flights. The uber rich might also book the entire package through Damac and they might make most of their money off selling extras and hotels… even if a flight is £5000 return, a lot of these passengers might be spending £30-100k when you account for hotel suites and extras.
Sure they can route Mahe-Male-Bali-Fiji-Papeete with free multiple stopovers allowed ;)
HNL - DXB would be awesome.
Concept-wise, I think it makes sense to fly to these leisure locations.
Execution-wise, I'm not sure if it makes any sense at all though. The highest yields are always from the US, anywhere else, you're gonna get like half the revenue at best. And I'm not sure capacity wise there's any need for more service to these places. All it'll do is depress the fares even more.
Actually this makes perfect sense for its target and existing clientele (read Russia, Iran, China). Come “invest” on your way to your vacation. Everything included and done on a 1-stop service. Purchase comes with a Golden Visa, I mean, “luxury apartment” somewhere in Dubai.
It could happen as a ÐAMAC charter, codeshare, or a Titan Airways wet lease. It doesn't mean daily non-stops. Could even be where a DAMAC representative meets you at the airport, helps you check in, then another representative meets you at the destination and shows you a car that takes you to DAMAC resort properties.
A great philosopher once wrote: if you want to be a millionaire, start with a billion dollars and launch a new airline.
That was Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic. And we all know how well Virgin Atlantic is doing.
Sounds like they've gone to the same aviation school as Air Belgium founders did
“Dam AC” is what I chant at One Manhattan West when the HVAC blows freezing cold air
Got to admit that made be chuckle
I want to invest.
The Bora Bora airport has a short runway and cannot accommodate most jets.
Jack - agree and I think the Tahiti airport is the only one in the area that can accommodate international travelers (i.e. passport/immigration/customs) and I doubt they can handle a huge influx of more flights?
Yes, no other airport customs and immigration in FP. Bora Bora was the original international airport in FP until Faa’a opened in the 1960s.
The only other long runway in FP is on Hao in the Tuamotus. The French used it as a staging ground for their nuclear tests on Mururoa and Fangataufa. President Mitterrand used the now shuttered airstrip on Mururoa in 1985, landing a Concorde there. Surreal photos.
damac is successful locally, sure. but calling them a well respected developer is a major stretch
Would they have to do all of it from Dubai? Could they do Fifth Freedom flights to those destinations, with an RTW flight beginning and ending in Dubai? If cruise ships can sell it, why not an airline?
Yes from Tahiti to Hawaii. But how to get from Hawaii to Dubai? The long way back and do just half around the world and return?
From a property developer to an airline, is this the Return of DAMAC?
Bravo!
This looks like an airline catering to the very wealthy in Dubai who want to holiday elsewhere, i.e. in summer when Dubai is unbearably hot.
But, those people already have Emirates...
If they did actually fly to Hawaii or Tahiti (which is unlikely), they could do it as a tag flight from Bali.