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RIYADH, 29 October 2007 — Nasair, Saudi Arabia’s first budget carrier, has commenced flights to 21 public service obligation routes, in accordance with the Air Traffic Privatization Act which was announced recently by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the company said in a press conference held at NAS headquarters here yesterday. Starting yesterday, nasair will gradually spread out its domestic operations from the capital Riyadh to cover Qassim Qaysouma, Hail, Dammam, Abha, Wadi Al Dawasser, Taif (via Abha), company officials said. In a statement, nasair said it expects to witness a phenomenal increase in the number of passengers it carries from Riyadh to other cities throughout the Kingdom before the end of the first year of operations. The new operational phase covers 21 new routes with more than 365 weekly flights. With a record operational growth rate of 500 percent since its launch last February, nasair reconfirms its position as the leading budget airline serving regions across the Kingdom. In line with its business development strategy, NAS also announced during the press conference the appointment of its new CEO. Ed Winter joins NAS armed with an extensive experience acquired during 35 years of involvement in airline companies and the travel market, where he occupied leadership positions, lately COO of Easyjet, the leading European LCC. Ayed Al-Jeaid, NAS chairman, said: “I am pleased that we were able to draw an internationally recognized professional in the person of Ed Winter as the new CEO of NAS”. “I am optimistic that with his experience and worldwide network in the airline industry, Ed will make a significant contribution to NAS further growth”. Ed Winter, NAS CEO, said: “nasair has an exciting future ahead, continuing to deliver rapid growth and further building upon its strong position in the rapidly expanding Middle Eastern low cost airline market. I look forward to leading the nasair team and NAS to make this happen.” GACA records show that total passenger traffic at Kingdom’s domestic airports has grown at a yearly rate of 4.5 percent from 5.6 million passengers in 1997 to reach 8 million passengers in 2006. |
