JEDDAH, 15 August 2006 — National Air Services (NAS), the regional private aviation services company in the Middle East, intends to launch a low-cost carrier in Saudi Arabia as part of its business development strategy, according to a high company official. The fully Saudi-owned company said that it has officially submitted an application to the Saudi Arabia General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) for winning the license of operating low-cost airline network in the Kingdom.
“The Middle East travel market is expanding at a rapid pace and Saudi Arabia continues to be a key player within it. The Saudi business sector has made tangible strides to liberalization. This is has been marked by the many successful IPO’s taking place in Saudi Arabia and the growing privatization movement of different businesses including airline industry,” said NAS Chairman Ayed Al-Jeaid.
He noted that the Saudi government is allowing for a greater role of the private sector to contribute to the overall development plan. Being the first privately owned aviation company that has been licensed in Saudi market, NAS has been set to help develop the Saudi and regional aviation industry infrastructure.
“Targeting different customer groups NAS has been established to be a customer centric company providing specialized products and solutions that are designed to meet the market needs and to deliver profitable return on shareholders’ equity,” Al-Jeaid said.
Mingled with pricing convenience, NAS plans to maximize the number of routes and frequencies and introducing new routes that cater to the needs of domestic travelers.
“We are gearing up to win one of the licenses and start low-cost carrier operation and to this end we have entered into strategic alliances with world class allies with proven track records in their relevant field to ensure genuine technology and know-how transfer,” said Al Jeaid.