Air Arabia today announced its plans to introduce a new Sudanese new low-cost airline. The Emirati outfit is collaborating with private Sudanese conglomerate Dal Group to launch Air Arabia Sudan.
Narrowbody activity
Operating at up to 120 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe with its fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft, Air Arabia has become a powerhouse when it comes to low-cost services. The Sharjah, United Arab Emirates-headquartered company is also no stranger to joint ventures, having collaborated with others in the likes of Abu Dhabi, Armenia, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Now, Air Arabia is looking to further expand its international holdings, with the Sudanese joint venture being based at Khartoum International Airport. Air Arabia Sudan passengers will board Airbus A320 aircraft and will be served by similar a model adopted by the Air Arabia Group’s other projects. The firm shared that is working on securing all the required paperwork and is looking to start commencing operations shortly.
Air Arabia has its hands in many pies. Photo: Getty Images
Adding value
Air Arabia’s leadership is ecstatic about the joint venture. The company’s chairman, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani, stated the following about the agreement.
“We are delighted at Air Arabia Group to partner with DAL Group on this joint venture to launch Sudan’s new low-cost carrier. We are confident that Air Arabia Sudan will add significant value to the air transport sector of Sudan and directly contribute to the growth of the local economy and the development of the travel and tourism sector. We thank DAL Group and the Sudanese Civil Aviation Authority for their trust, and we look forward to working hand in hand to develop the new airline, which will serve as a new value-for-money air travel option for the country.”
DAL Group’s chairman, Osama Daoud Abdellatif, also shared his excitement about the move. He highlighted that the partnership will attract “top-flight foreign direct investment to our country at a pivotal point in our national history.” The group is also determined to showcase its nation/s local wonders, including its rich national culture.
Air Arabia has expanded heavily since launching in 2003. Photo: Air Arabia
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A natural progression
Air Arabia already has a strong presence at Khartoum International. It is also joined by several local and international carriers, including Sudanese national carrier Sudan Airways.
Nonetheless, Air Arabia’s expansion will be a valuable addition. Notably, just two years after launching operations, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi this month welcomed its millionth passenger. Moreover, later this year, Air Arabia will begin A321LR flights to Milan from Sharjah, highlighting the opportunities to be had with the airline’s model.
There is plenty of potential to be had in African markets as airlines and manufacturers alike have seen strong growth prospects. Air Arabia is one such entity that sees worth in the continent’s industry, keen to enhance its local stake.
What are your thoughts about the upcoming launch of Air Arabia Sudan? What do you make of the overall potential of the joint venture? Let us know what you think of the airline’s initiatives and prospects in the comment section.
Source: simpleflying.com
