Air Arabia, the first and largest low cost carrier in the Middle East, and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the largest Islamic bank in UAE, announced today the launch of a new ticket payment method for Air Arabia customers via DIB’s electronic banking channel. Easy payments for Air Arabia tickets can now be made from the comfort of one’s home anywhere in the world through DIB’s Al Islami online banking services.
Earlier this year, Air Arabia and DIB, signed an agreement to provide a fast and convenient ticket payment facility for Air Arabia customers. DIB is currently in the process of enabling Air Arabia payments through the bank’s e-channel network, including mobile banking, phone banking, Cash Deposit Machines (CDM), and Automated Teller Machines (ATM).
Ali Al Hamdany, Director of IT and Corporate Projects, Air Arabia, said: “We are delighted to announce the new service. This step further enhances the ease and convenience we offer to our customers seeking to travel to the 46 destinations we serve worldwide. In a highly competitive market, excellence in service, innovation and outstanding customer service play a significant role for a fast-growing airline like Air Arabia. This new payment service in conjunction with DIB will enable our customers to choose from a range of destinations and holiday packages from the comfort of their homes.”
Musabbah Al Qaizi Head of Electronic Banking, DIB, said: “DIB’s strengthened partnership with Air Arabia is a testament to our commitment to provide value-added services for our customers. Air Arabia and DIB customers can now make their Air Arabia tickets payment through Al Islami online banking,. DIB’s partnership network is growing steadily and now includes alliances with numerous reputed companies and service providers. DIB continues to assess opportunities and add more electronic services, demonstrating our commitment to provide our client with unmatched services.”
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 16 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 46 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Central Asia through its main hub in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Air Arabia recently started operations from its second hub at Mohamed V Airport, Casablanca, Morocco, through the launch of Air Arabia Maroc, a joint venture company and Morocco’s newest low-cost airline. Air Arabia Maroc offers service to a wide range of European and African destinations.
Air Arabia is an award-winning airline that focuses on offering comfort, reliability and value-for-money air travel. For further information, please visit: www.airarabia.com
About Dubai Islamic Bank: Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), established in 1975, is the first Islamic bank to have incorporated the principles of Islam in all its practices and is the largest Islamic bank in the UAE. DIB is a public joint stock company, and its shares are listed on the Dubai Financial Market. The bank enjoys a reputation as a leader and innovator in maintaining the quality, flexibility and accessibility of its products and services.
The bank currently operates 57 branches in the UAE. As part of its expansion plans announced in early 2009 and in line with its aim to ensure customer satisfaction through accessibility, DIB will increase its nationwide network to 64 branches by the end of this year. In addition to regular, full-service branches, DIB is also planning to launch Express Banking Centres, which will provide fast, efficient services to DIB customers at various convenient locations like shopping malls, hypermarkets and megastores
By the end of 2009, DIB forecasts that the bank’s total customer base will increase by approximately 15 per cent, reaching some 900,000 customers, while its retail assets business will grow by approximately 20 per cent.
DIB has been proactive in creating partnerships and alliances at both the local and international level. The bank has established DIB Pakistan Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary. DIB has also opened its first representative office in Turkey to enhance its access to that market. DIB has also acquired a stake in Al Khartoum Bank and in Emirates and Sudan Bank, as well as contributing to the launch of Jordan Dubai Islamic Bank.
DIB has won the respect of its peers around the world for many years, and its leading position has been reaffirmed by the 34 awards that it has won in 2008 across diversified areas within banking, be it retail, corporate or investment banking. The bank was recently named “Best Islamic Bank” for the 4th consecutive year by Banker Middle East magazine. DIB has also received many awards from international organisations, such as the prestigious “Bank of the Year” award from The Banker (Financial Times), along with prestigious accolades from UK based Euromoney and NY based Global Finance magazines.
