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Air Arabia only looking at achieving organic growth, says CEO

RAS AL KHAIMAH, March 15, 2023

Air Arabia, the Sharjah-based UAE national carrier which has seen substantial growth in the last few years with the number of destinations it flies to touching 200, seeks only organic growth, the airline's Group CEO has said.
 
Adel Al Ali, speaking to TradeArabia's Sree Bhat on the sidelines of Arab Aviation Summit in Ras Al Khaimah, said:"So far what we have achieved is an organic growth and the good thing is we keep growing."
 
"We have 120 aircraft on order, we are getting them in early 2025. Apart from this, we are also getting
every year about 10 aircraft on lease. So, I think our organic growth will continue.
 
"We don't look for a number; I never thought we will go to 200 destinations. I was happy with five, it
went to 10 and then steadily we grew to 200. I am very satisfied with a small growth rather than a huge
one and big announcements," he said.
 
On the airline's sustainability initiatives, he pointed out that all the airlines, including Air Arabia, were making efforts in that direction, participating in various initiatives.
 
"Sustainability has two sides to it; one is bringing in efficiency in the business to make sure that it becomes sustainable. The second part is the big jump to net zero," Al Ali explained.
 
"So, the big part relies much on oil production companies, engine manufacturers, aircraft manufacturers and airports. We are working with all these international organisations. We have a special team in Air Arabia engaged with this. The whole industry and all stakeholders need to collectively work to make it happen," he stated.
 
Al Ali continued: "I am a confident that by 2050, the industry will achieve net zero. Even if we are unable to achieve zero, 80% success is good. Yes, we must aim for 100%."
 
Asked to comment on the launch of the new Riyadh Air by Saudi Arabia, he said the kingdom is a big
promising market. Saudi is also undergoing a huge transformation and huge investments are being
made.
 
"For me, more airlines create more opportunities. Though it brings new challenges, it's fine...it's good for the consumer. Ultimately, it will encourage more people to fly and that is what we want," he stated.
 
Asked if Air Arabia has any plans for hubs in Bahrain or Saudi Arabia, he said: "As of now, we have not
considered this. I am interested in every country, but it all depends on the policies of the particular
country."



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