The second major order for 120 Airbus planes worth $14 billion has been made by Air Arabia, confirmed UAE budget carrier.
The deal was signed on Monday, at the grand ongoing Dubai Air Show after several months of negotiations with the European planemaker Airbus.
The purchase placed to Airbus is the second order from a UAE based carrier at this year’s progressive Air Show
Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer at a press conference stated that the order was a “great endorsement for the A320neo family which will allow the airline to tap into new markets.”
Adel Al Ali-Air Arabia Group CEO said the order, would support the low-cost carrier’s growth plans.
“This new milestone underpins not only our solid financial fundamentals but also the strength of our multi-hub growth strategy that we have adopted over the years while remaining focused on efficiency, performance and passenger experience,” he further elaborated the plans
“The addition of the A320neo, A321neo and A321XLR complements our existing fleet and allows us to expand our service to farther and newer destinations while remaining loyal to our low-cost business model.”
According to the agreement the delivery of 120 planes will commence from 2024.
Discussing Air Arabia Abu Dhabi’s operations in particular, he said;
“It’s work in progress, and we hope that by the second quarter next year, we should be operational, but a lot of licensing needs to be done and setting up the hub.”
“Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is good news for us and we’re very happy to set up jointly with Etihad Airways. Both Etihad Group and Air Arabia see this as an excellent complement to the UAE’s aviation industry, and we will be progressing from there.”
Watch the highlights of Day 1 and Day 2 at Dubai Air Show 2019
DAY 1
DAY 2
At the Dubai Air Show astounding inventions and developments are being displayed, Learn more about The First All-Electric Powered Racing Aircraft
