The latest news from the Middle Eastern airspace is that two of the biggest air carriers, Air Arabia and Etihad are coming together to form a partnership and launch Abu Dhabi’s very first low-cost carrier. Named ‘Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’, this is a first time partnership between the two carrier giants. The low-cost passenger airline will have its hub in Abu Dhabi International Airport which also happens to be Etihad’s main base. The idea is to have the new carrier complement Etihad’s services from Abu Dhabi Airport.
Why’s There A Need For A Low-Cost Carrier?
With an increasing need and demand for low-flying options among the public, it only makes sense for people to want a more economical option while travelling. This is what the Group CEO of Etihad had to say about the partnership, “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”.
A leading travel destination, Abu Dhabi airport also serves as the junction for most layovers for people who are flying to the States or to Europe. And with Air Arabia flying to over 170 destinations and Etihad flying to over 80 destinations, it serves as a great bridge when flying at a lower cost to other countries.
Since signing the agreement, the carriers haven’t announced a launch date for the new airline yet. They also haven’t mentioned what destinations it will be flying to but we are hoping that it will connect the Middle East to as many destinations as possible. So, if we were you, we’d keep our travel plans on hold until we hear about the official launch date.