Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today the purchase of two Airbus A320 aircraft, expanding the company’s fleet size to 13, including 11 leased and two wholly owned aircraft. The purchase is not part of Air Arabia’s announced purchase of up to 49 Airbus A320s announced in November 2007 at the Dubai Air Show.
Air Arabia has expanded tremendously since its inception. In addition to the expansion of its fleet, the carrier has expanded its destination network to include 38 destinations throughout the Middle East, South Asia, North Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. In India alone, Air Arabia serves 11 destinations.
“We have undertaken this fleet expansion in order for us to provide our passengers even greater access to our growing destination network and competitive low-cost fares,” said Adel Ali, Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. “The expansion of our fleet allows us to maintain our leadership role in the Middle East’s low-cost carrier market, and to add new destinations and increase flight frequency.”
Ali added: “The fact that our entire fleet is made up of A320s reflects the low-cost business model we follow. Dealing with only one type of aircraft results in simplified and efficient operations. Such operations mean the quickest and most cost-effective service possible, and savings passed on to our customers in the form of competitive fares.”
The Airbus A320 is the aircraft of choice for Air Arabia, with its entire fleet made up of the model. The A320 is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft and features fly-by-wire controls and a containerised cargo system, which is compatible with the worldwide standard wide-body system. Over 5,450 Airbus A320 Family have been sold and over 3,200 delivered to some 200 operators worldwide, making it the world’s bestselling commercial jetliner.
The carrier plans to expand its fleet dramatically in the coming years. In 2012, Air Arabia is expected to take delivery of the first of up to 49 Airbus A320s, a purchase the carrier announced in November of last year at the Dubai Air Show.
© 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
