Jazeera Airways has been on an impressive growth streak in the past few years. Founded in April 2004 as the Middle East’s first non-government owned airline, the budget carrier connects the region with its fleet of Airbus A320 jets but even flies as far as London. Continuing to expand with more destinations and more aircraft as the months go by, just how much more will the carrier grow?
17 aircraft in 17 years
Established in 2004, the airline started operations in 2005 with just one Airbus A320. Another A320 would join the fleet the following month, and by 2008, Jazeera Airways would operate a total of eight aircraft. These aircraft would eventually leave the fleet but would be replaced by other A320-200s. From here, the carrier has grown with additional A320-200s and deliveries of brand new A320neos.
On Friday, Jazeera Airways took delivery of its ninth Airbus A320neo aircraft from Airbus in Toulouse. Registered 9K-CBI, this latest delivery brings the airline’s total fleet to 17 aircraft- all of which are Airbus A320s. It should also be noted that Friday’s delivery was the last A320neo of the airline’s last order with Airbus.
The sky’s the limit
While Jazeera Airways’ fleet growth has been steady and somewhat low-key in its nearly two decades of operation, things got much more exciting at the 2021 Dubai Airshow. It was at this significant event that the carrier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 20 A320neos and eight A321neos.
“We will effectively double our current fleet size to 35 aircraft by 2026. The airline has pulled out of the pandemic strongly in Q3 with a return to profitability. We have exciting expansion plans ahead, which will further boost our contribution to the Kuwait economy and in particular the travel sector.” -Marwan Boodai, Chairman Jazeera Airways
While having 18 more aircraft in four or five more years isn’t earth-shattering, it’s notable that the airline is not only growing in aircraft numbers but also aircraft types. The Dubai Airshow deal will see the Kuwaiti carrier add the A321neo to its fleet- opening up many more opportunities for network growth.
“By taking both A320neo and A321 neo options we will have great flexibility to extend our network to medium and longer haul destinations from Kuwait, offering passengers more choice to travel and enjoy popular destinations as much as underserved ones”. -Rohit Ramachandran, CEO Jazeera Airways
More than just aircraft
And, of course, it’s not just fleet growth experienced by the carrier. Indeed, Jazeera Airways has been consistently growing its network and its list of destinations.
One of its most exciting route launches took place on the eve of the global health crisis as it operated its inaugural service to London Gatwick. Cut short by travel restrictions, the airline is flying to the UK capital once again.
West of Kuwait, the airline also operates to several destinations in Turkey and Egypt, as well as Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. Going east, the airline serves destinations in Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan but also in Central Asia. The carrier flies as far east as Kathmandu, Nepal, and Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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All of this activity now starts from the airline’s very own terminal at Kuwait International Airport – Terminal 5 (T5). Having its own facilities to operate ensures an enhanced passenger experience with dedicated check-in, fast immigration, and short transfer distances.
So, to answer the question of this article’s headline, it would appear that Jazeera Airways is poised for much more growth over the next decade- with at least 35 aircraft by 2026. Once the airline takes delivery of the A321neo, we can imagine additional destinations in Europe and Africa as economics, and border restrictions will allow.
What kinds of network and fleet growth are you expecting from Jazeera Airways? Let us know by leaving a comment.
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