Air Arabia and Etihad Aviation Group are working together on a new low-cost carrier to be based out of Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub.
The new airline will be called “Air Arabia Abu Dhabi“.
Air Arabia Airbus A320 departing Dublin Airport – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Bot Etihad and Air Arabia will establish an independent joint venture company that will operate as a low-cost passenger airline with its hub in Abu Dhabi International Airport.
In terms of planned operations, the new carrier will complement Etihad Airways’ services from Abu Dhabi. The airline itself will be a low-cost carrier, and follow the ideals of a low-cost business model. Both Etihad and Air Arabia will contribute to its board of directors.
No route map or list of planned operations have been announced at this stage.
In quotes
Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said:
“Abu Dhabi is a thriving cultural hub with a clear economic vision built on sustainability and diversification. With the emirate’s diverse attractions and hospitality offerings, travel and tourism play a vital role in the economic growth of the capital and the UAE. By partnering with Air Arabia and launching Abu Dhabi’s first low-cost carrier, we are serving this long-term vision”.
He added:
“This exciting partnership supports our transformation programme and will offer our guests a new option for low-cost travel to and from Abu Dhabi, supplementing our own services. We look forward to the launch of the new airline in due course”.
Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said:
“Home to the first low-cost carrier in the MENA region, the UAE has developed over the years to become a world-leading travel and tourism hub. We are thrilled to partner with Etihad to establish Air Arabia Abu Dhabi that will further serve the growing low-cost travel segment locally and regionally while capitalising on the expertise that Air Arabia and Etihad will be providing”.
He added:
“This step demonstrates the strength of the UAE aviation sector and serves the vision driving its growth. We look forward to a successful partnership and the launch of the new carrier”.
Further plans to revealed
With the carrier in a start-up phase, it will be interesting to see what routes it decides to fly on.
It will have competition out of the bat – with Emirates and FlyDubai been operating for some time out of Dubai International. Locally, it will have to contend with Air India Express, IndiGo, GoAir, Pegasus, Salam Air as low-cost competitors who operate out of Abu Dhabi.
The challenge for Etihad and Air Arabia will how they funnel passengers to and from the carrier, and the network it will try to build to serve those passengers.
And if you’re expecting Etihad’s “The Residence” or First/Business Class products aboard, you might be in for a bit of a shock, as Air Arabia operates single cabin 168-seater aircraft.
Currently, Air Arabia 39 Airbus A320 aircraft in its fleet. It is also taking delivery of A321LR too. I would be shocked if they don’t stick to the “run it all on an A320 platform”
That will be the interesting thing to keep an eye on as it develops into an airline.
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