As low-cost carrier Flynas begins taking delivery of the first of 80 Airbus A320neo aircraft, Routesonline looks at the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s aviation market, boosted by a rapidly expanding tourism sector and a more liberalised approach.
This week: Primera Air adds Washington Dulles from London Stansted, while Hainan Airlines will become the first Chinese airline to operate non-stop flights between China and Mexico.
Al Qahtani Group (linked to Gulf Air) and Qatar Airways were both selected in late 2012 to bring new competition into the Saudi Arabian domestic market as part of a series of reforms. Both have been working with the local regulator to establish their respective businesses, Saudi Gulf Airlines and Al Maha Airways, but despite an initial suggestion these carriers would take-off by the end of 2013, we are still awaiting their arrival into the local skies.
