Twenty years ago, the Middle East’s first low-cost airline, Air Arabia, launched. The first flight was from Sharjah, our home base, to Bahrain.
The airline began operations with two Airbus A320 aircraft and began flights to Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and Syria.
Air Arabia was established on February 3, 2003 by the Amiri Decree issued by the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi.
The airline achieved break-even in its first year of operation and has since established a number of joint ventures across the region.
Over the past two decades, Air Arabia has become known for its low-cost regional travel, introducing then-new concepts such as a pay-as-you-go model for in-flight services.
The company also demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability by investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and implementing environmentally friendly initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.
Air Arabia currently has a fleet of more than 60 aircraft and flies to 170 destinations, with its shortest flights to destinations in the Gulf such as Muscat and Manama, while some of its longest flights are to destinations in Italy. I’m going to Milan and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Air Arabia has undertaken a number of joint ventures over the years, signing agreements in Armenia, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and most recently in Abu Dhabi.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, supported by Etihad Airways, launched on 14 July 2020 to serve budget travelers in the capital region. Since then, the airline has flown to destinations such as Egypt, India and Bangladesh.
Air Arabia is currently a successful low-cost carrier in the region, with the latest forecast showing it posting a profit.
Commenting on the company’s financial results released in August, Air Arabia Chairman Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammad Al Thani said: “Air Arabia’s strong performance in the second quarter of this year reflects the strong performance of the business we operate. “This is evidence of the resilience and effectiveness of the model.”
Updated: October 20, 2023, 6:01 p.m.
