RAK Airways receives Air Operator's Certificate from GCAA

Sheikh Saud welcomed the Minister and thanked him for the cooperation extended by the GCAA and other agencies towards making RAK Airways a reality.

Sheikh Saud said that the launch of RAK Airways was part of the multi-dimensional development plan currently under implementation in Ras Al Khaimah. "RAK Airways would help enhance the profile of Ras Al Khaimah as an international tourist destination and would also help in boosting the infrastructural facilities in the Emirate," he added.

The meeting was attended by a number of dignitaries including Sheikh Omar bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Ruler's Private Affairs Department, Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ghanim Al Ghaith, Director General of the GCAA, Dr. Khater Massaad, Advisor to RAK Crown Prince and Managing Director of RAK Airways and Mohammed A. Al Mehrizi, Director General of RAK Customs and Ports Department.

Dr. Khater Massaad said that RAK Airways has passed yet another milestone towards its official launch by getting the Air Operator's Certificate. He said that RAK Airways would start operations as soon as it gets its landing rights.

Dr. Massaad added that initial destinations would include the Indian sub-continent and Iran along with Lebanon and CIS countries. "As the fourth national carrier of UAE, RAK Airways would compliment the other national airlines and would be a full-fledged airline," he said.

Dr. Massaad said that the launch of RAK Airways would boost the local economy of the Emirate and would also contribute towards effective utilization of the RAK Airport facilities. Ras Al Khaimah also expects the airline to contribute significantly in its transformation as an international tourist destination.

Jack Romero, CEO of the RAK Airways, has said the airline was aiming to start flying in April by using two leased Boeing 757- 200 aircraft, and that it would expand by adding at least two aircraft annually.

RAK Airways hopes to service Russia and CIS countries by the second year and expects to fly to Europe, including Germany, France, Italy, UK and Scandinavian countries, in the third year.

According to top RAK Airways officials, the airline expects to fly 230,000 passengers in its first year of operations and aims to carry 580, 000 passengers by the third year and to touch the 2.7 million mark in five years. The airline is also exploring the possibility of joining global alliances to boost growth and expand coverage as part of its long term growth strategy.

The airline would have a multi- channel distribution facility that would enable passenger's book tickets through internet, travel agents or by using call centres and future developments may include SMS.

RAK Airways is a Private Joint Stock Company incorporated in RAK Investment Authority Free Zone having a startup capital of AED 850 million.