Jazeera Airways announces new destinations for summer 2009 programme
Airline reveals five new destinations and more new aircraft for 09, during Freedom Forever 3
event
Kuwait and Dubai based low fares airline Jazeera Airways (KSE: Jazeera, Bloomberg: Jazeera KK, Reuters: JAZK.KW) held a pivotal industry meeting today in Kuwait with regional media and airline industry stakeholders, providing an update on the airline’s current position and unveiling the airline’s strategic plans and vision for the year ahead, under the banner of ‘Freedom Forever 3’.
Chairman Marwan Boodai explained “the strength of the Jazeera Airways network which currently includes 55 routes to 22 destinations; our commitment to tight cost control; and the success of our new Dubai hub as a complement to operations in Kuwait, has meant that we have established a strong platform for growth in coming years.”
“Despite having to contend with so many external issues such as the global financial crisis, as an airline we have done exceptionally well in staying on top in the local aviation industry, thanks to our spirit of innovation and service. The sale and leaseback of our existing fleet and our 40 aircraft delivery positions to Sahaab Leasing has meant that our airline is cash rich and free of debt – giving us a very strong position going forward, especially now that oil prices have substantially reduced” he said.
The airline increased its capital over the past year to KD 20 million, (USD $73 M), and following its January 14th listing on the Kuwait Stock Exchange, witnessed oversubscription of shares by six times; growing to five times their par value.
“We also received four brand new aircraft during the last year from our firm order of 40 Airbus A320s bringing our total fleet size to eight, and we launched five exciting destinations, Istanbul, Doha, Khartoum, Sana’a and Deir Ez Zoor increasing our network to [25] destinations; while delivering exceptional value and service to our passengers and shareholders alike,” added Mr. Boodai.
The airline has planned a series of key initiatives for 2009, which will enable it to build on its excellent results of 2008. These initiatives focus on the launch of five new destinations, and the accelerated delivery of two new aircraft which will support the start-up of further new routes in the year ahead.
Mr Boodai in particular stressed that Jazeera will make a substantial investment in the airline’s commercial infrastructure to make it easier to book on Jazeera and will offer a revised pricing structure that reflects the abolition of fuel surcharges and the airline’s commitment to offering fares at 25% less than legacy competitors. Upgraded reservation systems, an improved check-in process and expanded sales teams across the airline’s network will offer passengers an even better experience. Improvements will also be made to the in-air, on-board service.
Mr. Boodai went on to explain how the airline’s management team has been strengthened, by introducing the new members of senior staff that were recently appointed to the airline. Mr. Boodai will continue to oversee the airline’s operations as Chairman, while a new CEO – Andrew Cowen - will manage the airline’s day-to-day running. Mr. Cowen, formerly CEO of Sama Airlines in Saudi Arabia has additionally held senior roles at Go Airlines in the UK and British Airways.
Steven Greenway, formerly CCO of SkyEurope Airlines and senior manager at Virgin Blue in Australia and Virgin Atlantic in the UK was additionally introduced as the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer; while John Turnipseed was introduced as the new VP of HR. John formerly held the role of VP HR at Eos Airlines and Southwest Airlines both in the USA.
Commenting on the airline’s outlook for 2009, Mr. Boodai said; “We are very excited about the coming year. There is very strong potential for us to grow our operations in the Middle East, especially with such low market penetration in the low fare airlines sector of 3-4%.”
“While the effects of the global economic downturn are unknown, historically low fare airlines do well in such climates and with the quality of our product and through the manifold improvements we have planned for the coming year, we are confident of assuring our position in advance of the upturn and maintaining our competitive leadership.”
Jazeera Airways currently operates a fleet of eight new Airbus A320s from its two hubs in Kuwait and Dubai. Each aircraft is fitted with the airline’s signature leather seating, while the Jazeera Plus (J+) cabin offers business travellers the highest standards of comfort, relaxation and a range of in-flight amenities. The airline flies to destinations in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Iran, and the Indian subcontinent.
