By IANS
Sharjah : The Middle East aviation sector is poised for sustained growth in the coming years, according to the CEO of the largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, WAM news agency reported Monday.
Adel Ali, chief executive officer of Air Arabia, said that factors such as continuous economic growth, high number of expatriates and the demographics of the region, where 100 million people are under the age of 24, are bound to make air travel a necessity rather than a luxury in the region.
The Middle East aviation sector currently accounts for eight percent of global air transport and is growing at a rate double the global average of five percent, according to the Arab Air Carriers Organization’s (AACO) latest report.
Ali added that by adapting the globally proven low cost carrier model to the needs of this region and focusing on quality service at affordable rates, Air Arabia is the regional leader in the low-cost sector.
He said that Middle East air carriers presently have together more than 600 aircraft and the highest number of aircraft on order anywhere in the world – including 49 from Al Arabia.