The Doha-based carrier operates to Riyadh and Jeddah daily and twice a day to Dammam. It has a strong fleet of 79 aircraft, with 183 more aircraft on order including five Airbus A380s, and operates to 85 destinations. "We are a young 13-year-old airline and the age of our aircraft average three to four years," he added.
The airline is introducing its operations to Tokyo in April, its second Japanese destination after Osaka, and will add Barcelona, Spain, to its network in June, followed by Sydney, which is the carrier's next Australian destination after Melbourne where it is already fling.
Alidrissi said the airline had recorded a 30 percent increase in online bookings over last year, partly due to the growing awareness of credit card culture. "Customers have also realized that there can be an average saving of up to 35 percent in the cost of ticket if booked online and much in advance," he added. "Tickets can be booked a year in advance and you can get the advantage of the lowest fare available."
Speaking about the various facilities available for passengers, Alidrissi said online had come as a boon to the traveling public. "You can book online and even collect your boarding passes online three days before departure.
About the impact of the worldwide economic downturn, Alidrissi said the global crisis had a "marginal impact" on airlines in the Gulf. "The aviation business in the region was impacted a little last year due to the problem of liquidity among airlines and the spread of H1N1 virus. As a result, there was a huge drop in the aviation business last year compared to 2008, but this year things have started looking up for all sectors of the travel industry. 2010 will present a positive picture."
According to him, Umrah has become a season around the year and it will become difficult for people to get last-minute bookings on any airline if they don't book early. "Those who want to travel during March-April, July-August or December-January in particular should book early. Buy your tickets much later," he said.
