5 Facts about Air Arabia

If you hear people talking about Middle Eastern airlines, it’s usually around the big three: Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways. It can be easy to miss the dynamic and quickly growing low-cost carrier that is thriving in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Read on to discover more about Air Arabia:

1. They were the first low-cost carrier in the Middle East.

The Sharjah-based carrier was the first and now the largest low-cost airline in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with bases in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates; as well as Casablanca, Morocco, and Alexandria, Egypt.

2. They operate an all Airbus fleet!

Did you know that Air Arabia was originally a one-type fleet, operating exclusively A320 aircraft? This has recently changed as the airline began taking possession of an order of A321 NEO aircraft in April ’19.

3. They are a dry airline

While alcohol is widely available throughout the United Arab Emirates, the Sharjah emirate is completely dry. As Air Arabia is owned by the emirate, it is also a dry airline.

4. They have a strong partnership with Etihad

In late 2019, Air Arabia launched a partnership with Etihad to establish ‘Air Arabia Abu Dhabi‘, the capital’s first low-cost carrier.

Based out of Abu Dhabi International Airport, the new carrier provides options for travellers to connect from or onto low-cost flights, a growing segment in the region.

With Etihad Airways slimming down its short-haul economy offerings and routes recently, this partnership makes a lot of sense. It’s also can be seen as a way that the two airlines can be more competitive against the existing Emirates-flyDubai partnership.

5. Air Arabia works hard to make a social impact

While affordable air travel is a staple of Air Arabia’s offering, they also provide support to a number of local and international projects. The programs have an emphasis on providing better education and healthcare for underprivileged communities.

You can read more about Charity Cloud‘s sustainable projects and social initiatives on their website.

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Discover more facts about the Middle East’s airlines:

Facts about Emirates
[Coming soon!]

10 Facts about Iraqi Airways

Facts about Iran Air
[Coming soon!]

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