Jazeera Airways (طيران الجزيرة) is a low-fare airline based in Kuwait. It operates scheduled services to the Middle East, Europe and India. Its main base is Kuwait International Airport, with Dubai International Airport being a secondary hub. The airline has grown since its launch to become Kuwait's second national airline and has been dynamic in popularizing low-cost carriers in the Middle East.

History

In 2004 the Kuwait Government permitted the establishment of non-governmental airline firm, essentially ending Kuwait’s 50-year old dependency on a Kuwait Airways. The 2004 Emiree Decree #89 established Jazeera Airways as first airline to enter this newly liberalized industry. Jazeera Airways raised its capital of KD 10 million (USD 35 million) through an initial public offering in Kuwait that was oversubscribed 12 times. The airline is the first privately owned airline in Kuwait and the Middle East, and one of the few airlines in the Middle East built on a low-fares business model.

The airline is owned by the Boodai Group (30%) and public shares (70%). Jazeera Airways started operation on October 30, 2005 with a fleet of brand new Airbus A320 aircraft, all leather seats, flying to several destinations in the Middle East.

Destinations

Fleet

Jazeera Airways has confirmed orders for 10 Airbus A320s, and option orders for 6 additional Airbus A320s. It had received its five aircraft, which are now in operation, on October 24 2005, November 7 2005, June 23 2006,July 7 2006 and January 30 2007 respectively.

The airline's fleet is powered by brand new CFM56-5B engines. The airline has contracted world leading Lufthansa Technik to maintain and service them. All Jazeera Airways aircraft are fitted with 165 leather seats, equipped with In-flight Entertainment, and split into two cabins: Jazeera and Jazeera Plus.

Jazeera Airways ordered 30 Airbus A320s on Monday the 18th of June 2007. This was announced at the Paris Air Show bringing its total orders up to 35 Airbus A320s.

Trivia

Jazeera Airways' profit for the year 2005/2006 was US$8.7 Million

Jazeera Airways' is tying up with Indian domestic airlines for giving them connections to other airports in India with carriers such as Spice Jet & Indigo for other popular destinations such as Banglore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabar & so on.

References

External links

• Jazeera Airways
• Jazeera Airways Reviewed
• Jazeera Airways Questions and Answers
• kuwaitquest directory