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Leaders
4 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Three Companies to Operate New Low-Cost Saudi Airline from Dammam
The Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) unveiled that an alliance of three companies won a bid to operate a new Saudi national low-cost airline, according to Reuters. GACA announced that Air Arabia, Kun Investment Holding and Nesma would operate domestic and international flights from King Fahd international airport in Dammam. Therefore, the new airline will further foster air connectivity for the Eastern Region, increase seat capacity as well as offer competitive travel options for passengers. Crucially, the new flights seek to serve 57 international destinations and 24 local destinations by 2030. Through a fleet of 45 aircrafts, the airline aspires to carry approximately 10 million passengers per year while creating more than 2,400 job opportunities. To achieve the goals of the Aviation Program under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, #GACA announces that «AirArabia Alliance» has won as the new low-cost national carrier at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, with the aim of enhancing air connectivity in the… — هيئة الطيران المدني (@ksagaca) July 20, 2025 Launched in 2003, Air Arabia is a low-cost airline based in Sharjah, UAE. Currently, it operates a fleet of nearly 60 Airbus A320s and flies to more than 170 destinations across 30+ countries, the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Europe. The new milestone marks the first time for Air Arabia to co-operate a Saudi-licensed carrier. Established in 2018 in Jeddah, Kun Investment Holding Company (KIH) has rapidly emerged as one of Saudi Arabia's prominent investment houses. Its investment portfolio features real estate, construction, healthcare services, tourism and leisure, integrated solutions, as well as the health and fitness sectors. Nesma Group stands out as a diversified Saudi enterprise with a background in aviation and infrastructure, gained through its former airline operations. Related Topics: Flynas to Begin Direct Flights to Damascus on June 5 Syria Resumes Direct Flights with UAE King Khalid Airport Welcomes First China Eastern Flights Short link : Post Views: 14
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UAE: Air Arabia wins bid to launch Saudi low-cost airline in Dammam, boosting Vision 2030 goals
Air Arabia-led alliance to launch new low-cost Saudi airline from Dammam under Vision 2030/ Representative Image TL;DR Air Arabia , based in the UAE, will lead a new Saudi low-cost airline. The airline will be based in Dammam and fly to 81 destinations. It's part of Saudi Arabia's wider aviation push under Vision 2030. On July 20, 2025, Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced that an alliance led by Air Arabia, along with Saudi firms Kun Investment Holding and Nesma Group, has secured the license to operate a new national low-cost airline based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. This new airline will launch with a fleet of 45 aircraft, connecting 24 cities across Saudi Arabia and flying to 57 international destinations. By 2030, the carrier aims to serve around 10 million passengers each year and create over 2,400 new jobs. According to Saudi officials, the airline will help boost competition, increase seat capacity, and offer more affordable travel options to the public, especially in the country's Eastern Region. About Air Arabia and Its Role in Saudi Arabia Air Arabia is a low-cost airline based in Sharjah, UAE. Launched in 2003, it was the first budget carrier in the Middle East. Today, it operates a fleet of about 60 Airbus A320s and flies to over 170 destinations across 30+ countries, including cities in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Europe. The airline is known for offering affordable fares and simple, no-frills service. Until now, Air Arabia's presence in Saudi Arabia was limited to international flights, connecting cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam to its wider network. Dammam, for example, was just a destination. That's changing. With the launch of the new Saudi low-cost airline, Dammam becomes the airline's home base in the Kingdom. This is the first time Air Arabia is co-operating a Saudi-licensed carrier, and it turns Dammam into a full-fledged hub, not just a stop on a route. For travelers in the Eastern Province, it means more direct flights, better access, and lower fares. A Closer Look at the Alliance The license was awarded to a three-member consortium: Air Arabia (UAE): One of the region's top low-cost carriers, with extensive experience in budget operations and regional connectivity. Kun Investment Holding (Saudi): A Saudi firm bringing capital and strategic local partnerships. Nesma Group (Saudi): A diversified Saudi business with experience in aviation and infrastructure through its former airline operations. Unlike foreign players operating independently in Saudi skies, this is a Saudi-licensed airline backed by a regional partnership, blending international experience with local roots. Why Dammam? A Strategic Shift Dammam hasn't traditionally been the center of Saudi aviation. Most growth has centered on Riyadh and Jeddah. This move signals a change. By basing the new airline in Dammam, the alliance is tapping into a region that's economically vital but often underserved by direct air links. The plan includes: Improving connectivity for Eastern Province residents Expanding domestic and regional options Supporting tourism and business travel in and out of Dammam This also helps reduce pressure on larger airports and supports Saudi Arabia's goal of creating multiple air travel hubs, not just one or two dominant centers. Key Details: Fleet size: 45 aircraft Network: 24 domestic and 57 international destinations Passenger goal: ~10 million annually by 2030 Jobs created: Over 2,400 Main focus: Improve connectivity in the Eastern Region, expand seat capacity, and offer more affordable fares How This Fits into Vision 2030 Saudi Arabia is betting big on aviation as part of Vision 2030, its long-term strategy to diversify the economy beyond oil. The country aims to: Attract $100 billion in aviation investment Serve over 330 million passengers annually Connect to 250+ global destinations Boost the contribution of aviation to GDP Liberalize airport and airline operations to allow new entrants This new airline aligns with that effort. It's not meant to compete with flagship brands like Riyadh Air, which focuses on premium long-haul routes. Instead, it adds depth, filling a gap in affordable, short- and mid-range travel and extending access to more travelers. What This Means: Positive Outcomes More Travel Options: Travelers get more destinations, especially from Dammam Lower Fares: A low-cost model means increased competition and more pricing flexibility Job Growth: More than 2,400 direct jobs expected Network Expansion: 81 destinations, including key domestic and regional cities Regional Boost: Supports development in the Eastern Province Officials from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services have indicated that the new airline is expected to increase market competition and offer travelers more choices, supporting the country's broader aviation strategy. FAQs Q1. Who will run the new airline in Saudi Arabia? The airline will be operated by an alliance led by UAE's Air Arabia, with Saudi-based Kun Investment Holding and Nesma Group as partners. The license was granted by GACA. Q2. Why was Dammam chosen as the base? Dammam offers untapped potential. It's a growing economic region with room to expand air traffic. Placing the airline there supports regional development and eases pressure on Riyadh and Jeddah. Q3. How will this airline be different from others like Flyadeal or Riyadh Air? Flyadeal focuses on domestic routes under Saudia. Riyadh Air targets long-haul premium travel. This new airline offers low-cost, regional connectivity, especially from Eastern Saudi Arabia.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Delta Swipes New Airbus Engines From Europe To Avoid Tariffs And Put Grounded U.S. Aircraft Back In The Air Instead
Delta does not want to pay tariffs on new aircraft. Rather than simply threatening to cancel Airbus orders, however, the airline is getting rather clever. Instead, Delta is removing the engines from Airbus A320s awaiting delivery from Europe and shipping them back to the U.S., reports The Detroit News. These new engines will replace faulty ones on grounded A320s here, returning them to the air. Because the A320's Pratt & Whitney engines were made in the USA, they are not subject to the 10% tariff that the replacement aircraft they're being stripped from would be. This creates an unexpected loophole that Delta seems happy to exploit. Delta and other airlines have grounded some A320 aircraft due to problems with their original engines. While waiting for a solution to the original problem, Delta can install the new engines and put these planes back into service. Meanwhile, the donor A320s will remain in Europe without engines, waiting patiently for a resolution to the very dumb tariffs. In an unrelated issue, regulators have not yet certified the seats on these planes for some reason, so Delta couldn't use them immediately, regardless of tariffs. Stripping their engines to get the A320s grounded in the U.S. with certified seats flying again seems like the fastest way to put more planes in the air. Bypassing tariffs in the process is icing on the cake. Read more: Save Your Engine: 5 Tips For Preventing And Cleaning Carbon Buildup Tariffs Don't Work This is not the first instance of "creative accounting" that Delta has used to circumvent tariffs. In the past, Delta took delivery of Airbus aircraft in Japan, rather than the U.S. as originally planned. Then, Delta assigned these aircraft to the same long-haul flights to the U.S. they would have flown if they had been registered here. The operational result is the same, but without having to pay an extra 10% tariff. While Airbus benefits from these creative loopholes, competitor Boeing still suffers from the tariffs that were intended to protect it. Chinese airlines rejected Boeing aircraft after retaliatory tariffs priced them out of reach. This could leave the U.S. as the only market where Boeing is competitive, but not if airlines prefer to follow Delta's lead and stick with Airbus instead. Some passengers prefer Airbus to Boeing, maybe because Airbus doesn't throw away missing door plug bolts during construction. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Arabian Post
11-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Air Arabia Reinitiates Sharjah–Damascus Flights
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Air Arabia has recommenced double daily non‑stop flights between Sharjah and Damascus from 10 July 2025, marking a pivotal renewal of air connectivity between the UAE and Syria. The low‑cost carrier's decision, following a suspension since 2012, responds to rising demand and broader regional diplomatic easing. The carrier's reinstated schedule includes two early departures from Sharjah at 04:15 and 10:45, landing in Damascus at 06:30 and 13:00, respectively. Return services depart Damascus at 07:30 and 14:00, arriving in Sharjah at approximately 11:40 and 18:10 local time. Utilising Airbus A320s and A321s, Air Arabia's fleet will provide in‑flight entertainment via 'SkyTime', on‑board dining through 'SkyCafe', and loyalty benefits under its 'Air Rewards' programme. ADVERTISEMENT During a launch ceremony at Sharjah International Airport, attendees included Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, and Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, indicating the route's strategic significance. A reception at Damascus International Airport featured UAE Ambassador Hasan Ahmed Mohammed Sulaiman Alshehhi and Syria's Chargé d'Affaires Ziad Yahya Zaher Edin. CEO Al Ali emphasised the route's importance in serving the substantial Syrian diaspora in the UAE, estimated at over 350,000 individuals, and facilitating enhanced travel for business, tourism, and family visits. He remarked, 'This route holds particular significance in serving the Syrian diaspora in the region and meeting the growing travel demand between the UAE and Syria.' The airline anticipates this service will bolster trade ties, with bilateral trade having reached US $680 million in 2024—a 23 percent increase over 2023. Air Arabia's restoring of direct flights aligns with a wider trend of regional airlines re‑engaging Syria. Emirates is scheduled to recommence services to Damascus from 16 July, expanding to daily flights by October. Flydubai resumed operations on 26 June. Additionally, national carrier Syrian Air has restarted several regional services since January, while Qatar Airways reinstated a Doha‑Damascus route in early January. Turkish budget airline Anadolu Jet launched flights from Istanbul and Ankara in April. Damascus International Airport itself underwent closure during an opposition offensive in December 2024, later reopening with limited commercial flights. Full international traffic resumed in January 2025, with renovation support from Turkey in February. The renewal of these services carries deeper geopolitical significance, reflecting a subtle shift in diplomatic engagement with Syria. In April, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority formally lifted suspensions on flights to Syria, and UAE‑Syrian ministerial talks have since addressed aviation, banking, and consular matters. Travel agents and industry analysts have interpreted the move as a calculated expansion of Air Arabia's network, offering cost‑conscious alternatives to Gulf‑Europe‑Syria itineraries, especially for the UK and Europe‑based Syrian diaspora. The airline's fare structure and twice‑daily service are expected to attract both long‑standing diaspora links and emerging trade flows. Independent aviation analysts note that Air Arabia's streamlined operations, lean cost base, and digital platform—covering bookings via website, app, call centre, and travel agencies—are key competitive advantages. The company now serves more than 90 global destinations, including recent additions such as Sochi, Prague, and expansion within Russia and Europe. Despite the optimism, security concerns remain. Damascus Airport was only partially reopened in January, and while the civil aviation authority has announced upgrades, full operational stability depends on infrastructure restoration and geopolitical calm. Some observers caution that air travel to Syria may still face intermittent regulatory or safety challenges, advising prospective travellers to monitor advisories and airlines' updates closely. Nevertheless, the resumption of the Sharjah–Damascus route represents a turning point for mobility in the region. By restoring a decade‑long link, Air Arabia reinforces its position as a catalyst for regional integration and economic exchange, while filling a transport gap for displaced communities and traders across the Gulf.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Air Arabia have just launched direct flight to Sailkot from Abu Dhabi
Jet-setters and home-comers, take note – Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is adding a brand-new route to its growing network, with direct flights to Sialkot, Pakistan, taking off from July 17. The new service connects Zayed International Airport with Sialkot International Airport, running three times a week – on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays – giving travellers a convenient and affordable link between the UAE capital and one of Pakistan's busiest industrial cities. Here's the lowdown: Flight 3L 311 departs Abu Dhabi at 1.35am, landing in Sialkot at 6am The return flight 3L 312 takes off from Sialkot at 6.50am, touching down in Abu Dhabi at 9.20am Whether you're heading home, visiting family, or flying for business, this route has been crafted with both expats and entrepreneurs in mind. Known as a major export and manufacturing hub, Sialkot sits at the foothills of Kashmir and along the Chenab River, playing a key role in Pakistan's economy. This launch adds to Air Arabia Abu Dhabi's growing presence in Pakistan, joining existing routes to Faisalabad and Multan. The airline currently operates a modern fleet of 12 Airbus A320s, delivering budget-friendly travel without cutting corners. Flights from July 17. Book now at via call centre or your travel agent. Need some travel inspo? Travelling from Abu Dhabi is about to be so much faster Zayed International Airport is the world's first airport to make this change 18 countries offering visa-on-arrival to UAE residents Here's where to go UAE citizens now get visa-on-arrival for India: a game-changer for travellers That quick trip to India just got even easier
