Arab low-cost carriers challenge majors
Continued eastward migration of low-cost carriers (LCCs) from North America and Europe to regions such as the Middle East and Asia arguably has established

Continued eastward migration of low-cost carriers (LCCs) from North America and Europe to regions such as the Middle East and Asia arguably has established the credibility of this air transport business model. “As LCCs continue to ‘grow’ their fleets and their geographic footprints across the Middle East and throughout Asia and Africa, it is clear that we are competing on a global platform,” said Adel Ali, chief executive of Sharjah-based LCC Air Arabia.

“Despite extremely challenging conditions facing airlines worldwide, low-cost carriers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with their revived focus on commercial sustainability, are seizing the opportunity to increase their market share. Importantly, this is happening at a time of increased regional competition and rapid deregulation,” he told September’s World Low-Cost Airline congress in Barcelona, Spain.