Air Arabia records surge in passengers to 5.3 million in 2012

Air Arabia has reported that it carried a record 5,301,484 passengers in 2012, a 13 per cent growth compared to the previous year.

“Air Arabia continues to witness significant year-on-year growth in passenger numbers, and this demonstrates the growing popularity of the airline’s value for money services,” said Adel Ali, Group chief executive officer, Air Arabia. “As a pioneer in the low-cost space, we will continue to set the standard for the low-cost travel segment, offering great fares to an ever growing range of destinations.”

Air Arabia took delivery of six new aircraft in 2012 as part of an order for 44 aircraft placed in 2007. The delivery of the 44 new aircraft will be completed by 2016, and will more than double the size of Air Arabia’s fleet.

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “Air Arabia's impressive 2012 performance continues to underscore just how vibrant and robust the Middle Easts low cost airline is.

Carrying over 5 million passengers last year across a massive 82 destinations last year, Air Arabia has shown why its still the biggest low cost airline in the GCC, despite the fact it has competition from an ever-growing flydubai, whom equally have enjoyed the spoils of the low cost market.

With more Airbus A320s on the way this year and with the airline very likely to also complement that with an order for A320neo's too, Air Arabia is primed to enjoy another fruitful year ahead - especially as the summer season approaches.”