Kuwait's Wataniya Airways to launch in 2009

27 May 2008
Wataniya Airways, Kuwait’s third airline, has revealed it is to launch operations from January 2009 following a stock market listing later in 2008.

The new carrier, which is targeting the short-haul premium business and leisure market, will launch with two Airbus A320 aircraft, adding three more leased planes in 2009 and a further six planes over the subsequent two years.

Established in 2006 with share capital of KD50m ($189m), Wataniya is 70 per cent owned by the general public following a sale that year. Kuwait Projects Company and other corporate investors retain a 30 per cent stake.

The airline’s shares will be listed on the Kuwaiti stock exchange later in 2008, ahead of the launch.

The airline will offer a two-class configuration on routes around the Gulf and the wider region.

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