Air Arabia, the first low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, has been named winner of the award for Operational Excellence 2005-2007 by Airbus, one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers. Air Arabia was selected for this prestigious honour from among all global airlines operating fewer than 50 A320 aircraft.
This marks the second time this year that the Sharjah-based LCC has been recognised by Airbus for its operational excellence. In January, Air Arabia received a special certificate from Airbus for achieving the highest average level of A320 fleet utilisation between 2005-2006.
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman, Air Arabia, said: “Winning the Operational Excellence Award for 2005-2007 is a triumph for everyone at Air Arabia. We are grateful to Airbus for this honour and, even more so, to all our employees for continually striving to achieve their personal best. We share this award with them.”
He added: “Being the regional leader in the LCC market is a great achievement, but also a great responsibility. Today, as we look to an even brighter future, Air Arabia remains focused on providing our customers with the highest level of service and a wide range of innovative new offerings, including new routes and products. As we embark on this ambitious growth path, we will continue to provide superior value and service for travellers in this fast-growing region.”
Charles Champion, Executive Vice President, Customer Services, Airbus, said: “Air Arabia is a remarkable example of an LCC that operates its fleet in the most efficient and professional manner possible. The Operational Excellence Award Committee looked carefully at every aspect of the airline’s fleet utilisation, and concluded that Air Arabia clearly deserved this award. All of us at Airbus are proud to see our aircraft serve as an integral part of Air Arabia’s success.”
In selecting Air Arabia for the Operational Excellence Award, Airbus conducted a detailed technical analysis of all carriers in the segment. Air Arabia recorded the highest indicators for operational reliability over the three-year period, reflecting the carrier’s extremely high maintenance and technical standards.
Combining financial strength and superior operational reliability, Air Arabia aims to expand the size of its existing fleet from nine to at least 34 aircraft by 2016. In addition, Air Arabia will broaden its scope of operations and invest in the infrastructure associated with the fleet expansion
About Air Arabia: Air Arabia was established in February 2003 by an Amiri decree issued by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohamed Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates. The company began operations in October of the same year.
Based in Sharjah and with a fleet of nine Airbus A320 aircraft, Air Arabia serves 35 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Indian Subcontinent and Central Asia, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, India, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Turkey and Yemen.
Air Arabia is modeled after leading American and European low-cost airlines and is customised to local preferences. Its main focus is to make air travel more convenient through Internet booking and offering the lowest fares in the market without sacrificing on service or safety standards.
