A joint venture between Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways and Sharjah-based Air Arabia has been awarded an air operating certificate (AOC) by UAE authorities.
The award is one of the final stages in plans first announced in October 2019.
Scheduled passenger airlines currently operating in the UAE include Etihad, Air Arabia, Emirates and government-owned LCC Flydubai. The launch of Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is intended to bring low-cost travel to the country’s capital.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi was formed as an independent JV company between Air Arabia Group & @etihad to operate a low-cost passenger airline with @AUH as its hub. 2/2
Full story here: https://t.co/6om6lA1ZDA
— Air Arabia (@airarabiagroup) April 23, 2020
However, the AOC award comes at a time when the UAE aviation sector is being hampered by government-imposed travel restrictions and decreased commercial demand. Though the national government is currently permitting repatriation flights to a list of select destinations, the situation is subject to change.
Though the airline has not yet announced an official launch date, it stated on 23 April that it will look to work with the Emirati regulator, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), to finalise this “as market conditions improve and skies are open again”.
“We congratulate Air Arabia Abu Dhabi for successfully obtaining the AOC after meeting all the required standards and passing all inspections,” said GCAA director-general Saif Al Suwaidi.
“While the global aviation industry continues to face its greatest challenge due to the impact of COVID-19 on air traffic movement, today’s announcement reflects the strength and confidence of the UAE’s aviation sector and its long-term prospects.”
Air Arabia chief executive Adel Al Ali was equally optimistic.
“Air Arabia Abu Dhabi demonstrates the commitment of the UAE to invest in the aviation sector, and we are looking forward to the launch day, which will establish Abu Dhabi as another key hub in the region for low-cost travel,” he said.
However, just this week IATA boss Alexandre de Juniac suggested that long-term implementation of social distancing measures could push many low-cost and short-haul carriers out of business.
