New Airline Sets Up Operations In Casablanca
Low-cost carrier (LCC) Air Arabia has announced its intention to commence operations from Casablanca, Morocco, early in the new year, upon approval by the relevant authorities. Under the name of Air Arabia Maroc, the new airline will service Morocco’s domestic sector as well as operating in a number of destinations across Africa and Europe. The establishment of this new airline follows the signing of a management agreement between Air Arabia and Morocco’s leading private carrier, Regional Air Lines. The Bahrain-based investment bank, Ithmaar Bank, is the third business partner in Air Arabia Maroc.
Based in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, Air Arabia has been operating since February 2003 and runs scheduled services to at least forty destinations in the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia and North Africa. By setting up operations in Casablanca, Air Arabia will have a convenient platform from which to service the market in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Chairman of Air Arabia, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, stated that Air Arabia has a well-established its presence in the MENA (Middle East-North Africa) region and is now focusing on a strategy of rapid growth and expansion. He noted that there is immense potential in North Africa and Southern Europe, and in addition to further strengthening operations at their base in Sharjah, Air Arabia is keen to expand the airline’s coverage to include EMEA markets.
Regional Air Lines Chairman, Mohamed Hassan, expressed his confidence that the partnership with Air Arabia will provide travelers within Morocco, as well as across the EMEA region, with wider choices in regard to efficient, cost-effective travel. He also anticipates that the new LCC will contribute to the growth of tourism in Morocco. Regional Airlines currently services all Morocco’s major urban centers as well as destinations in Spain and Portugal.
The city of Casablanca is one of Morocco’s most popular tourist destinations and many agree that a visit to this fascinating country would be incomplete without exploring Casablanca. Work on the Casablanca hub is well under way and will be ready early in 2009. No doubt Air Arabia Maroc will make it easier, and more affordable, for travelers to visit this exotic city.
