:: Photo Gallery ::

Bahrain became the fourth destination for Wataniya Airways, Kuwait's first premium, full-service airline yesterday.

The first flight was welcomed at Bahrain International Airport by Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) Assistant Under-Secretary for Aviation Services Ahmed Nemat Ali, other senior aviation officials and Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Shaikh Azam Mubarak Al Sabah.

The A320 aircraft, carrying a delegation headed by airline chairman Abdulsalam Al Bahar, landed at around 8.40am.

Wataniya will operate two daily flights to Bahrain, which is its fourth destination after Dubai, Beirut and Cairo, said Mr Al Bahar.

He also predicted a drop in fuel prices and hotel costs would help the aviation industry cope during the global economic crisis. "This is an important route for Kuwait, both from a business and social perspective, "he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Ahmed Nemat Ali revealed there were now around 100 flights a week between Bahrain and Kuwait.

"This has been possible because of the Open Sky agreement between both countries signed in 2004 under the initiative of Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa."

Mr Ali said about 500,000 airline passengers traveled between Bahrain and Kuwait last year - 10pc more than in 2007. Wataniya chief executive George Cooper, who was also on yesterday's flight, said the $190 million (BD72m) company launched 18 months ago has plans to expand further.

It currently has two leased aircraft. "The number will increase to seven by the end of 2010,"he revealed.

Wataniya Airways flies from the Shaikh Saad Terminal in at Kuwait International Airport.

It is the first time a commercial airline operates out of Kuwait, but from a terminal other than the Kuwait International Airport.



<< Press releases main page

Photo Gallery Click Images for enlarged view: