RAK Airways could be flying again soon says Sheikh Omar

Ras Al Khaimah's troubled carrier RAK Airways is to attempt a relaunch of services by the end of this year.

Its latest chief executive, Omar Jahameh, the former CFO on Dana Jets, is finalising plans to operate to destinations in the Gulf region, Africa and the Indian subcontinent in a bid to add greater depth to the emirate’s plans for tourist expansion.

In a statement chairman Sheikh Omar Bin Saqr Al Qassimi said that the carrier had been affected by exceptionally tough market conditions arising from the economic downturn which forced it to suspend operations last year.

“This climate has sufficiently abated", Sheikh Omar said. "We are now ready to make a strategic re-entry into the market and have a lot of exciting new plans, which will be unveiled soon."

RAK Airways was operating Boeing 757-200 aircraft prior to its suspension last year and also has plans for Boeing 737-800s according to orders made two years ago.