Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today that it has flown more than 10 million passengers since its launch in October 2003. The carrier passed the mark at the end of June 2008.
In the first half of 2008, Air Arabia carried more than 1.6 million passengers, an increase of 33 per cent compared to 1.2 million passengers in the corresponding period last year. Passenger average load factor – passengers carried as a proportion of available seats – for the first half of 2008 stood at 86 per cent, a three per cent increase compared to same period last year.
The company purchased three aircraft during the first half of this year and increased frequencies to its existing destinations, providing customers with the region’s best flight connectivity. The Sharjah-based carrier also introduced four new destinations in the first six months of this year, including Kozhikode, India; New Delhi, India; Shiraz, Iran; and Dhaka, Bangladesh. This increased Air Arabia’s total network to 41 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Central Asia.
“We are truly honoured by the ever-increasing number of people who have made Air Arabia their airline of choice for travel across this wide and vibrant region,” said AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia. “From day one, we remained focused on our initial promise to offer highly affordable air travel solutions, while never compromising safety, reliability and the very highest standards of service.
“As we continue to expand our list of destinations and grow our fleet, we hope to introduce even greater numbers of people to our award-winning service and competitively priced fares. We look forward to passing another 10 million passenger mark in a very short time.”
-ends-
About Air Arabia: Air Arabia (PJSC), listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is the Middle East and North Africa’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC). Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a fleet of 15 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 41 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Central Asia through itsmain hub in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Air Arabia is modeled after leading American and European low-cost airlines, and its business model is customised to accommodate local preferences. Its main focus is to make air travel more convenient through Internet bookings and offering the lowest fares in the market along with the highest levels of safety and service standards. For further information, please visit: www.airarabia.com
