Air Arabia, Nesma Group, And KUN Holding Consortium Win Bid For New Low-Cost Airline In Dammam

A consortium of Air Arabia, Nesma Group, and KUN Holding has secured approval from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to launch a new low-cost airline. This airline will be based at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. The initiative aims to boost both domestic and international air travel options for the Eastern Province.

The collaboration among these three entities represents a shared vision to enhance service quality and support economic growth. Their strategic partnership is designed to align with the goals of the Aviation program, focusing on an efficient operating model that benefits travelers and the national economy.

Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, expressed pride in being chosen by GACA for this venture. He stated, "We are proud to have been selected by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to launch a new national low-cost airline headquartered in Dammam. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Authority for its trust in us." This development underscores Air Arabia's commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.

The airline plans to operate 24 domestic and 57 international routes using 45 aircraft by 2030. It aims to serve approximately 10 million passengers annually from Dammam and the Eastern Province. This expansion is expected to create over 2,400 direct jobs within the aviation industry.

Faisal Bin Saleh Al-Turki of Nesma Group and Mohamed Bin Nabil Hefni of KUN Holding highlighted their enthusiasm for this national initiative. They remarked, "At Nesma and KUN, we are proud to be part of this ambitious national initiative, which is the result of a strategic partnership with Air Arabia Group." They see this as more than just an air transport project; it’s a step towards boosting tourism infrastructure and stimulating local economic growth.

This project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by fostering job creation and empowering local talent. It also supports aviation-related commercial activities, reflecting the private sector’s role in sustainable development. The new carrier is expected to become a model for local and international cooperation.

Future Prospects for Tourism

The introduction of this low-cost carrier is anticipated to significantly contribute to tourism growth in the Eastern Province. By enhancing connectivity, it will strengthen Saudi Arabia's position as a prominent regional and global tourism destination.

This venture not only aims at improving air travel but also seeks to empower national talent through high-quality job opportunities. The collaboration between public and private sectors exemplifies efforts towards achieving transformative progress in sustainable development within the Kingdom.

With inputs from WAM