Wataniya Airways, Kuwait’s new full service luxury airline, said that it will launch its operations from February next year with two daily flights taking off from Kuwait and added that its first destination will be Dubai.
Announcing the start of its ticketing operations at a press conference held at Kuwait’s Royal Terminal – the new luxury departure point for Wataniya Airways services, Wataniya Airways chairman and managing director Abdul Salam Al Bahar said the airline will start its bookings from November 24.
This is the first time that any commercial flight in Kuwait will be taking off from a location other than Kuwait International Airport, Al Bahar noted.
The announcement comes after gaining approval from the directorate general of civil aviation to use the prestigious luxury Royal Terminal as its base for operations.
Al Bahar said that the announcements were a significant step in the preparations by the airline to officially commence operations early in 2009.
“Wataniya Airways is very proud to have reached this stage in our preparations and our team is delighted at the achievements to date and the fact that we can now announce that the countdown has officially started for providing Kuwaitis with a new travelling experience – one that will start in the superb surroundings of the Royal Terminal,” he said.
The customers can book by either calling the contact Centre on (+965 24379999) or using the website (wataniyaairways.com) or through your travel agent, Al Bahar added.
The airline also announced that the listing of its parent company Kuwait National Airways will take place on the Kuwait Stock Exchange on December 15.
"The airline has been awarded the easily recognizable “KW” flight code by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and that will be used for all its flights upon the commencement of operations – reinforcing the airline’s proud Kuwaiti heritage," he added.
From its new headquarters at the Royal Terminal, one of the largest private aviation terminals in the world, Wataniya Airways will be able to showcase its premium and luxury services for both its First Class and Premium Economy passengers.
The terminal offers various hospitality services to travellers from limousine pickup from any location in Kuwait, to prompt and highly practical check-in procedures, as well as luxurious first class lounges.
Al Bahar said passengers onboard Wataniya Airways were set to enjoy an exceptional travelling experience both on the ground and in the air.
“We are looking forward to providing our guests with the chance to enjoy the combination of our luxury services onboard our short-haul direct flights on our fleet of new A320 Airbus aircraft and on the ground at the Royal Terminal," said Wataniya Airways CEO George Cooper.
"It will be a unique travelling experience for people in Kuwait. Dubai is the ideal first destination given the high volume of business and leisure travel to the city and, in the coming weeks, we shall be announcing further destinations to come on stream before the end of February," he explained.
On securing the “KW” flight code, Cooper said, “We are delighted to have had the approval of our request for “KW” which is a major statement of intent that clearly identifies Wataniya Airways to the traveling public as a truly “Kuwaiti” airline."
"This is especially fitting, given that the airline has been created with the Kuwaiti customer first and foremost in mind, offering routes and schedules that will fit around the travelling requirements of Kuwaitis,” he added.
Wataniya Airways will be the first in the region to install revolutionary, cutting edge technology on board its new luxury aircraft providing travellers with unparalleled choice for in-flight entertainment and special facilities that will appeal to both leisure and business guests.
The pe