JEDDAH: Embraer and Saudi Arabia-based National Air Services (NAS) confirm options on five more EMBRAER 190 jets. The original contract, covering five firm orders and five options, was announced in November 2007 during the Dubai Airshow. The total value of the new agreement, at list price, is $187.5 million. This deal is already included in Embraer’s 2008 second quarter firm order backlog as “undisclosed”. The airline also retains purchase rights for 12 more aircraft of the same model. “The E-Jets are proven products in the Middle East market,” said Taher Agueel, president of NAS. NAS’s EMBRAER 190 jets will be delivered in 2010. The aircraft will be used by the commercial airlines of NAS and will complement its existing narrow body fleet. Riyadh-based NAS has an expanding service portfolio that includes Aircraft Management Services, NetJets Middle East Program — the pioneer provider of fractional ownership and lease of private aircraft in the Middle East, KAYALA Airline — first premium-business class airliner in the region, and NAS Air — Saudi Arabia’s first budget carrier to serve the domestic and international traveler.
SriLankan Holidays announces Åekids go freeÅf
JEDDAH: The Sri Lankan Tourism Bureau in conjunction with Sri Lankan Holidays has announced that prominent hotels and resorts across the island state will extend a value-added benefit for Middle East travelers by offering a free stay for two children below 12 years of age sharing their parents’ room till Aug. 31. The island has been witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals, especially since March. The highest performer during the period has been the Middle East, according to Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Tourism Faiszer Musthapha. The ‘kids go free’ special offer, which includes economy class airfare, star-class accommodation for two nights and three days with an international buffet breakfast, hotel transfers and fuel surcharge, starts at AED3,050 from Dubai and AED2,360 from Abu Dhabi.
KAYALA Airline starts flying to Cairo, Beirut
JEDDAH: KAYALA Airline, described as the Middle East’s only business travel carrier operated by Saudi-based National Air Services (NAS), landed its inaugural flights at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut and at Cairo International Airport in the Egyptian capital last week. “The new destinations are among the new international additions to our expanding network in the region,” NAS CEO Taher Agueel said. With the opening of the Cairo route, the airline offers nine times a week to and from Riyadh and Jeddah. The airline has also recently undergone re-branding with a new look and feel, which has progressively been rolled out during this year. The latest service reiterates the airline’s commitment to provide a strong business product on its current network of internal Saudi and regional routes as well as position it for further imminent international expansion. NAS representatives, VIPs and businessmen were on board celebrating the new routes. “Aviation links to Beirut have reached a “whole new level”, as travelers are now able to enjoy a variety of personalized and luxurious services. Statistics show that around 2,000 passengers fly on daily basis from Jeddah to Beirut and this move aspires to meet the demand for luxury air travel required by the seasoned traveler,” Agueel said. “The launch of Beirut route meets the needs of KAYALA passengers that coincide with a high demand during summer and the upcoming season of Holy Ramadan,” he added. The new service has been described as a landmark for aviation scene in Saudi Arabia, as it is the first time the Lebanese capital is being serviced by a premium carrier departing from Jeddah. Beirut is the airline’s third international destination, following the opening of its Dubai and Cairo routes.