Abu Dhabi based Etihad Aviation Group and Sharjah based Air Arabia have signed an agreement to launch a new low cost carrier based out of Abu Dhabi International Airport. The new carrier called Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is a joint venture between the two airlines, and will be run totally independently to compliment the routes and services offered from Abu Dhabi International Airport by Etihad. This makes it the fifth airline based in the UAE after Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad and flydubai. The move has been made to help serve Abu Dhabi’s tourism objectives and contribute to the growth of the emirate’s economy.
Tony Douglas CEO of 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. 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, CEO of Air Arabia added “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. 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."
No launch date has been announced for the new carrier and no details are available yet for the routes it will serve.