Kuwait Airways plans to lease additional Airbus A321neo aircraft besides its previous Airbus order.
From Reuters:
Tag Archives: Kuwait Airways
Kuwait Airways touts its recovery, expects to achieve break-even by the end of 2024
Kuwait Airways organized a press conference to highlight the significant results achieved during the third quarter, commencing from 2022 until September. The company achieved an increase in revenue by 14% over the expected budget, profit margin improved by 57%, passenger traffic at Terminal 4 increased by 4%, seat factor on the aircraft increased by 3%, and the departure of flights increased by 3%. In addition, the company achieved On Time Performance of its flights, which was at 89%.
During the conference, Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan stated, “We are pleased to review the most prominent results of the third quarter, commencing from 2022 until the month of September as Kuwait Airways proceeds in the right path with its strategic objectives towards developing and improving all its systems. The figures and results which have been presented are a clear confirmation of the developments of the Blue Bird and in achieving the objectives established by the Board of Directors and the Executive Management, with the efforts and dedication of its employees.”
Al-Dukhan added, “We expect Kuwait Airways to reduce its losses by about 50% by the end of 2022, when compared to 2019. We also expect to achieve break-even point in the budget by the end of 2024, as all indicators point to this trend. This will also contribute significantly to achieving excellence in the services provided to our valued customers.”
Al-Dukhan emphasized that Kuwait Airways is keen to provide distinguished services that suit the aspirations of its customers and meets their requirements and choosing the Blue Bird as their preferred carrier for travel.
In addition, Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan announced the signing of an agreement with a specialized company to develop the Al-Mubarakiya lounge for passengers of Royal Class, Business Class, and Oasis Club’s Platinum card holders, on the ground floor of Terminal 4, which will be completed by the beginning of 2023.
Al-Dukhan indicated that the expansion of the lounge comes within the framework of Kuwait Airways’ continuous efforts and to pursue policies in developing the services provided to its passengers and customers. He mentioned that this was undertaken after careful review and consideration of the increasing requirements of customers to travel on Kuwait Airways, as their carrier of choice and taking into regard the growth of passenger traffic at Terminal 4.
Al-Dukhan mentioned that the Al-Mubarakiya lounge will be further equipped with various advanced features including state-of-the-art technology, in addition to providing passengers of Royal Class, Business Class, and Oasis Club’s Platinum card holders with comfortable and excellent services. This includes developing the integrated Business Center, that provides computers and printers, in addition to Wi-Fi facilities for passengers to browse the internet and offering passengers with an array of the finest selection of local and international cuisines, according to the new menus which were launched recently in September and to suit the preferences of it valued customers.
On his part, Kuwait Airways Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Maen Razouqi expressed his happiness with the achievement of positive results, which is a confirmation of the national carrier’s steady progress towards development and excellence in the services provided to its customers, and towards launching new destinations linking Kuwait to the world, through its new fleet of 33 aircraft, of the latest models and types, and with technological advancements, that are in line with the latest in the aviation industry.
Razouqi stated, “Kuwait Airways has recently launched 25 new destinations during 2022, the most important of which are Madrid, Kuala Lumpur, Izmir, and Casablanca, which is in implementation of the strategic plans established by the company’s Board of Directors to expand its network around the world. Preparations are underway for the Blue Bird for operating during the winter travel season, commencing from November. In addition, the company has signed a partnership agreement with Air Europa to connect Kuwait with 18 destinations, consisting of cities in Europe, the Americas, and numerous other cities around the world.”
Razouqi concluded his statement by saying, “Kuwait Airways is preparing to carry fans to attend the largest sporting event in the world, which is the World Cup matches to be held in the State of Qatar and by providing unique and exciting offers for its flights.”
In other news, Kuwait Airways has received its seventh Airbus A320neo aircraft, named “Al Rawdatain” which arrived in Kuwait at Terminal 4, from the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France on Friday.
On this occasion, Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan, stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to receive its seventh Airbus A320neo as the latest aircraft to its new fleet, arriving from the city of Toulouse, France. This aircraft is among the batch of Airbus aircraft to be received successively in the coming years, according to the agreement with Airbus and its agreed delivery plan.
The arrival of the new aircraft will benefit the company in achieving the anticipated objectives pursued by the Blue Bird, as part of its strategic objectives to develop its ability in linking Kuwait to the world.”
Al-Dukhan added, “The A320neo will undoubtedly support the national carrier, which Kuwait takes pride in, with its latest models and types of Airbus aircraft. The presence of the A320neo in the fleet will enhance Kuwait Airways’ position as a leading airline in the regional and global aviation industry, where the company is constantly developing its customer experience, and is steadfast in providing the best of services. KAC is also keen to provide all means of comfort and safety for its passengers during each flight. The arrival of the A320neo is a continuation of developing the prominent services that are provided to KAC’s valued customers on its aircraft, in addition to providing various air transport services.”
On his part, Kuwait Airways Vice-Chairman & Consultant, Mr. Faisal Al-Gharib expressed his happiness with the receipt and arrival of the seventh Airbus A320neo aircraft. He pointed out that the plans developed by KAC’s Board of Directors were progressing in the right optimal direction and as scheduled. He also indicated that the arrival of the new aircraft is a qualitative leap in the development of the Blue Bird’s fleet with modern advancements, which suits the requirements of the passengers.
Al-Gharib concluded his statement by saying, “Kuwait Airways is committed towards development and improvement of its systems by providing new and innovative services that suit the aspirations of its customers and meets their requirements for a safer and more comfortable travel experience.”
Kuwait Airways Chief Operations Officer, Captain Eisa Al-Haddad, added, “The arrival of the A320neo is a continuation of an important phase in fleet development by supporting it with various modern types of aircraft. This contributes to achieving the objectives of Beyond Excellence in the services provided. The new A320neo aircraft will give our customers a comfortable and exciting travel experience. The new aircraft includes superior technology and a diversified entertainment system, as well as being manufactured to be environmentally friendly.”
Al-Haddad also stated that with the arrival of the seventh Airbus A320neo aircraft, Kuwait Airways’ fleet will consist of 33 aircraft, organized as follows:
- 5 Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
- 7 Airbus A320-200CEO aircraft.
- 10 Boeing B777-300ER aircraft.
- 7 Airbus A320NEO aircraft.
- 4 Airbus A330-800 aircraft.
Al-Haddad pointed out that in accordance with KAC’s agreement to restructure its fleet with Airbus, which was signed in February 2022, the company will receive two Airbus A320neo aircraft in succession, resulting in the company having 9 Airbus A320neo aircraft in its fleet. Furthermore, Kuwait Airways will receive 6 Airbus A321neo aircraft with a capacity of 169 seats and 3 Airbus A321neo-LR with 169 seating capacity in the coming years featuring advanced technical specifications.
Al-Haddad added, “The A321neo has additional advantages that will enable Kuwait Airways to achieve its objectives in terms of profitability and sustainability. The company will also achieve significant savings in operating costs due to the commonalities between the Airbus aircraft, its integrated models, and its flexibility in capacity. Today, the A321neo and the A330neo have proven to deliver up to 30% lower operating costs when operated together.”
Al-Haddad concluded his statement by highlighting Kuwait Airways’ continuous efforts to provide new and advanced services, that are aligned with the commercial aviation market and with international requirements, which will undoubtedly satisfy and meet the aspirations of its valued customers. In this regard, he also thanked Kuwait Airways’ employees in the various departments for their extensive efforts in the service of the country during the past period.
The aircraft was received by the Kuwait Airways delegation headed by the Vice-Chairman, Mr. Faisal Al-Gharib, Board Member, Mr Ahmed M. Al-Ebrahim and various officials.
Top Copyright Photo: Kuwait Airways Airbus A330-841 9K-APF (msn 1964) MUC (Gunter Mayer). Image: 956572.
Kuwait Airways aircraft photo gallery:
ITA Airways and Kuwait Airways to codeshare
ITA Airways and Kuwait Airways have announced a new startegic partnership including codesharing.
ITA Airways will add its code on flights operated by Kuwait Airways between Kuwait City and Rome and Milan Malpensa.
Kuwait Airways will be able to sell 12 destinations in Italy (Palermo, Catania, Florence, Brindisi, Bari, Venice, Turin, Genoa, Trieste, Bologna, Naples, Lamezia Terme) and two international destinations (from Rome to Athens and Nice).
Marco Finelli report from Italy.
Kuwait Airways aircraft photo gallery:
Kuwait Airways announces 17 new destinations
Kuwait Airways has announced the launch of 17 new destinations, in addition to the 40 existing destinations, bringing the number of destinations to 57, which will commence in May.
Kuwait Airways’ operation of new destinations from Kuwait will include flights to Malaga, Moscow, Sarajevo, Nice, Salalah, Sharm El Sheikh, Sohag, Alexandria, Mykonos, Bodrum, Trabzon, Vienna, Madrid, Casablanca, Manchester, Kathmandu, and Kuala Lumpur.
In this regard, KAC’s Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Maen Razouqi (above) stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to announce the operation of 17 new destinations to link Kuwait to the world, which comes within the framework of the Company’s preparations for the summer season that will witness a remarkable recovery in the movement of travel around the world. This is in addition to the fact that Kuwait Airways has selected a variety of destinations that are among the most important that the Company focuses on, due to its high demand for it by our customers of all segments, whether with the intentions of tourism, business or education.”
Razouqi added, “This is also part of Kuwait Airways’ tireless efforts to provide passengers on its aircraft with more direct options to meet their travel requirements and to provide them better services by launching new destinations and various services.”
Razouqi stressed on the Company’s keenness to attain the best levels of excellence in the services provided by the Company to its passengers, in addition to improving and developing all services to keep pace with the latest developments offered by the aviation sector around the world, as well as to achieving its desired objectives and to provide the best solutions to customers.
It is worth mentioning that launch of Kuwait Airways new destinations comes as part of KAC’s strategy, and systematic research of the feasibility of these routes and their benefit to the Company, in addition to meeting the growing requirements for these new sectors which are important to customers.
Kuwait Airways is also keen to assist its passengers and provide them with all means of comfort during their travel on its aircraft; from providing reservations for customers through all available channels and offering them appropriate services, to the check-in at Terminal 4 and completing their travel procedures with ease. In addition, Kuwait Airways is fully equipped with diverse fleet of the latest types of different aircraft, which will enable passengers to enjoy the Company’s services on board the Blue Bird.
Top Copyright Photo: Kuwait Airways Boeing 777-300ER 9K-AOC (msn 62561) (65 Years) LHR (Andi Hiltl). Image: 956861.
Kuwait Airways aircraft slide show:
Kuwait Airways aircraft photo gallery:
Kuwait Airways takes delivery of its first two Airbus A330neos
Kuwait Airways, the national airline of Kuwait, has received its first two Airbus A330neos. These aircraft are the first of eight A330neos ordered by the airline. The carrier currently operates a fleet of 15 Airbus aircraft comprising seven A320ceos, three A320neos and five A330ceos.
This event also marks Airbus’ first A330-800 delivery. The new generation widebody aircraft is the latest addition to Airbus’ product line, highlighting the company’s strategy to keep offering its airline customers unbeatable economics, increased operational efficiency and superior passenger comfort with proven latest technology platforms. Thanks to its tailored mid-sized capacity and its excellent range versatility, the A330neo is considered the ideal aircraft to operate as part of the post-COVID-19 recovery.
Kuwait Airways’ A330neo will comfortably accommodate 235 passengers, featuring 32 fully-flat beds in Business Class and 203 spacious seats in Economy Class while offering a large cargo hold capable of accommodating generous passenger baggage allowances.
Photo: Airbus.
Etihad Airways and Kuwait Airways launch new codeshare partnership
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwaiti flag carrier, Kuwait Airways, have signed a codeshare partnership on selected services on bookings effective December 22, 2019, for travel from January 5, 2020.
- Etihad will place its ‘EY’ code on 3 Kuwait Airways routes to Kuwait, Iraq and Bangladesh
- Kuwait Airways will place its ‘KU’ code on Etihad routes from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi and onwards to 9 destinations in Europe, Africa, Seychelles, and Maldives
Subject to regulatory approvals, Etihad will place its ‘EY’ code on Kuwait Airways operated flights from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait, Najaf and Dhaka.
In turn, Kuwait Airways will place its ‘KU’ code on Etihad flights from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi, Belgrade, Casablanca, Rabat, Khartoum, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, Male in the Maldives, and Mahe in the Seychelles.
Etihad Airways currently operates five return daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, and Kuwait Airways serves Abu Dhabi with a daily service.
In other news, Etihad Airways has announced that it will launch new seasonal flights to Malaga in Spain, to meet strong customer demand from across the UAE and GCC for flights to the popular gateway to the province of Andalucía.
- Three weekly seasonal flights to meet summer demand
- Operated by three-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring 8 private First Suites, 28 Business Studios and 190 Economy Smart Seats
- Third Etihad gateway in Spain
Three weekly flights will operate via the Moroccan capital, Rabat, from June 26 to September 13, 2020.
Abu Dhabi – Malagaschedule effective June 26 – September 13, 2019 (all timings are local):
|
Flight No. |
Origin |
Departs |
Destination |
Arrives |
Aircraft |
Frequency |
|
EY615 |
Abu Dhabi |
09:40 |
Rabat |
14:50 |
Boeing 787-9 |
Wed, Fri, Sun |
|
EY615 |
Rabat |
16:10 |
Malaga |
18:20 |
Boeing 787-9 |
Wed, Fri, Sun |
|
EY616 |
Malaga |
19:40 |
Rabat |
19:45 |
Boeing 787-9 |
Wed, Fri, Sun |
|
EY616 |
Rabat |
21:05 |
Abu Dhabi
|
07:25+1 |
Boeing 787-9 |
Turkish Airlines and Kuwait Airways announce a new strategic partnership
Turkish Airlines and Kuwait Airways made this joint announcement:
Turkish Airlines and Kuwait Airways have announced a new strategic partnership, which will see Kuwait national carrier’s code added to Turkish Airlines flights, and Turkey’s national carrier’s code added to Kuwait Airways flights operated between Kuwait and Istanbul/Sabiha Gokcen Airports. The Bilateral Codeshare Partnership will commence from August 1, 2019.
Both Airlines have endeavored a cordial commercial relationship since 1991, and since then both airlines have been reaping the rewards of such partnership. Turkish Airlines and Kuwait Airways’ cooperation further strengthened by signing renewed ‘Special Prorate Agreement’ in May 2019, and this codeshare agreement is now expected to take the partnership of two national flag carriers to a new height, and provide a great opportunity for the passengers from Kuwait and Turkey.
Signing of this agreement coincides with the time when Kuwait market is witnessing steady growth in travel to Turkish cities as a main tourist destination famous for its rich history, hospitality, culture and other facilities which make the visit to Turkey a perfect holiday experience.
It is worth mentioning that Kuwait Airways operates weekly 7 flights with A330/320/777 aircraft to Istanbul, and 7 weekly flights to Sabiha Gokcen; while Turkish Airlines operates 28 flights with A320/738/330 aircraft from Istanbul, and 14 flights with A320/738 aircraft from Sabiha Gokcen.
Kuwait Airways starts nonstop service to New York, will add three seasonal routes
Kuwait Airways (Kuwait City) on January 11, 2019 started flying nonstop to New York (JFK). The flight previously stopped at Shannon Airport in Ireland.
Kuwait Airways is also adding new summer seasonal flights.
The airline will serve Malaga, Spain with two flights per week from June 3 until September 12, 2019.
The company will also fly to Trabzon, Turkey with three flights a week from June 1 until September 12, 2019.
The airline will also fly to Vienna, Austria with three flights a week from June 2 until September 8, 2019.
Top Copyright Photo (all others by the airline): Kuwait Airways Boeing 777-300ER 9K-AOC (msn 62561) JFK (Fred Freketic). Image: 937401.
Kuwait Airways aircraft slide show:
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Kuwait Airways becomes the newest customer of the Airbus A330neo
Kuwait Airways, the national carrier of the state of Kuwait, has signed a Purchase Agreement (PA) for eight A330-800 aircraft. The agreement was signed by Yousef Al-Jassim, Kuwait Airways Chairman and Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse.
The announcement marks an important step in Kuwait Airways’ fleet renewal and expansion strategy. The national carrier of Kuwait also has A350 XWB and A320neo Family aircraft on order. The delivery of the new Airbus fleet will start in 2019.
Launched in July 2014, the A330neo Family is the new generation A330, comprising two versions: the A330-800 and A330-900 sharing 99 percent commonality. It builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption by about 25 percent per seat versus previous generation competitors and increasing range by up to 1,500 nm compared to the majority of A330s in operation. The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with increased span and new A350 XWB-inspired Sharklets. The cabin provides the comfort of the new Airspace amenities.
The A330 is one of the most popular widebody families ever, having received over 1,700 orders from 120 customers. More than 1,400 A330s are flying with over 120 operators worldwide. The A330neo is the latest addition to the leading Airbus widebody family, which also includes the A350 XWB and the A380, all featuring unmatched space and comfort combined with unprecedented efficiency levels and unrivalled range capability.
Kuwait and MEA to codeshare on the Kuwait City – Beirut route
Kuwait Airways and Middle East Airline have announced a new strategic partnership, which will see Kuwait national carrier’s code, KU added to Middle East Airline flights and Lebanon national carrier’s code, ME added to Kuwait Airways flights operated between Kuwait City and Beirut.
The Bilateral Code Share Partnership will commence on March 25, 2018.
Kuwait Airways operates 11 weekly flights on the route with Airbus A330/A320 aircraft and Middle East Airlines (MEA) operates 13 weekly flights with its Airbus A320 fleet.
Top Copyright Photo: Kuwait Airways Airbus A320-214 WL F-WWBY (9K-AKE) (msn 6350) TLS (Eurospot). Image: 925047.
Kuwait Airways aircraft slide show:
MEA aircraft slide show:
Bottom Copyright Photo: MEA-Middle East Airlines Airbus A320-214 F-OMRB (msn 5152) BRU (Karl Cornil). Image: 910515.
