Air Arabia, the first and largest low cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, yesterday placed a 49-aircraft order with Airbus valued at $3.5 billion. The order, for 49 A320 aircraft, was announced at the show yesterday and covers 34 firm orders with options on 15 more.

The deal triples Air Arabia’s fleet and reflects its plans to develop a fleet of more than 50 aircraft by 2015. “Our vision is to be one of the world’s leading low-cost carriers in terms of profit margins, innovation, reputation and operational excellence,” says Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, chairman of Air Arabia. “Having the A320 at the heart of our fleet is the best and quickest way to achieve this.”

The carrier has its main hub at Sharjah and has announced that Morocco will become a second hub. The airline is looking for a third hub but it has not been finalised, says Adel Ali, Air Arabia chief executive. Nor has Air Arabia got any plans for long-haul routes or widebody aircraft, he said.

“Our business model is low cost,” he says. “We have had the A320s in our operation for four years and we are very happy with that. There are no plans for long haul.”

Source: Flight Daily News

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