Air Arabia Abu Dhabi Ready to Start Operations from AUH
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capital’s first low-cost carrier, has announced that it has received its Air Operating Certificate (AOC), which allows it to start operating from Abu Dhabi as the fifth UAE national airline.
Securing the AOC highlights that Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has all the professional capabilities, adheres to all safety regulations needed for aircraft operations and has proven fit-to-fly ability following the completion of rigorous inspections by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will continue to work closely with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to finalise the launch date as market conditions improve and skies are open again.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi was formed following the agreement by Etihad Airways and Air Arabia to establish an independent joint venture company that will operate as a low-cost passenger airline with the Abu Dhabi International Airport as its hub.
The new carrier will complement the services of Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi and cater to the growing low-cost travel market segment in the region.
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HE Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA, said: “We congratulate Air Arabia Abu Dhabi for successfully obtaining the AOC after meeting all the required standards and passing all inspections.
While the global aviation industry continues to face its greatest challenge due to the impact of COVID-19 on air traffic movement, today’s announcement reflects the strength and confidence of the UAE’s aviation sector and its long-term prospects."
Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Despite these unprecedented times, today’s announcement is a message of positivity that reflects the strength of the UAE’s aviation industry.
We are pushing ahead with our plans to resume normal flying and once we have, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will ideally serve those who wish to explore new destinations from the capital, meeting the growing demand for low-cost travel in the region and complementing Etihad’s own global network."
Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: “We thank the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for their support during the process of obtaining the AOC as well as the Air Arabia and Etihad teams who, despite current challenges, worked tirelessly to obtain the license on time."
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has been assigned the reservation code 3L by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Based in Abu Dhabi, the carrier will adopt the low-cost business model followed by Air Arabia.
The MENA low-cost air travel model was first introduced in the UAE in 2003 with the launch of Air Arabia and has been recorded rapid growth since then.
