Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the capitals first inexpensive carrier, on April 23, 2020 declared that it has obtained its Air Operating Certificate (AOC), which enables it to begin operating from Abu Dhabi as the fifth UAE national airline.

Securing the AOC highlights that Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has all the professional capabilities, adheres to all safety regulations wanted for aircraft operations and has verified fit-to-fly capacity following the completion of rigorous inspections by the UAEs General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will proceed to work intently with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to finalise the launch date as market conditions enhance and skies are open again.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi was formed following the agreement by Etihad Airways and Air Arabia to set up an independent joint project organization that will operate as a inexpensive passenger airline with the Abu Dhabi International Airport as its hub. The new carrier will complement the offerings of Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi and cater to the developing affordable travel market segment in the region.

HE Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA, said: We congratulate Air Arabia Abu Dhabi for effectively acquiring the AOC after meeting all the required standards and passing all inspections. While the international aviation industry continues to face its biggest challenge due to the impact of COVID-19 on air traffic movement, todays announcement displays the strength and self assurance of the UAEs aviation sector and its long-term prospects. The UAE is a global air travel hub, supported by present day aviation infrastructure and we proceed to offer our residents and traffic with multiple choices to remain related and explore the world. Todays announcement serves as another testament to the investments made by the UAE in strengthening its aviation sector and we look ahead to the launch of Air Arabia Abu Dhabi in due course and the future progress possibilities for the UAE Aviation Sector.

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: Despite these extraordinary times, todays announcement is a message of positivity that displays the strength of the UAEs aviation industry. We are pushing ahead with our plans to resume normal flying and as soon as we have, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will ideally serve those who wish to explore new destinations from the capital, meeting the increasing demand for inexpensive travel in the region and complementing Etihads own global network. Just as importantly, it will make the excellent sights and experiences of Abu Dhabi accessible to many more visitors from presently unserved markets. Our partnership with Air Arabia will bring excellent value for passengers, and we look ahead to the start of operations once the skies open up again.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: We thank the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for their aid all through the process of acquiring the AOC as well as the Air Arabia and Etihad teams who, regardless of current challenges, worked tirelessly to acquire the license on time.

While the spread of COVID-19 continues to have an effect on the international economy along with the aviation industry, we are confident that the industry shall overcome todays challenges and will emerge stronger. Obtaining the AOC throughout this time replicates our dedication and readiness to launch Air Arabia Abu Dhabi operations as soon as skies and airports open and clients can fly again.

He added: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi demonstrates the dedication of the UAE to make investments in the aviation sector, and we are looking ahead to the launch day, which will set up Abu Dhabi as another key hub in the region for inexpensive travel.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has been assigned the reservation code 3L by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Based in Abu Dhabi, the carrier will undertake the inexpensive business model followed by Air Arabia.

The MENA inexpensive air travel model was first introduced in the UAE in 2003 with the launch of Air Arabia and has been recorded fast increase since then.