Kuwait National Airways appoints new CEO

Mr George Cooper, former CEO of the air services company OnAir, brings over 30 years of experience to the new airline. Before joining OnAir in 2005, Mr Cooper was Vice President at SITA, the supplier of technology services and communications to the airline industry. This followed an extensive career at British Airways where he was a director with British Airways' regional operations and was Director Europe. In this role, he managed several of BA's subsidiary airlines. Before moving into business operations at British Airways, Mr Cooper was a pilot with the company.

Commenting on Mr Cooper's appointment, the Chairman and Managing Director of Kuwait National Airways, Mr Abdul Salam Al Bahar, said "George has a wealth of experience and a very impressive pedigree within the airline business. His experience in start-up companies will help Kuwait National Airways develop its position as the airline of choice for passengers in Kuwait. I am delighted he is joining us a year before we begin our operations."

Mr Cooper said "I am very excited about the future of Kuwait National Airways and pleased to be joining the company at this stage of its development. For too long the people of Kuwait have been denied the opportunity to experience a high level of service when flying to popular destinations. I am determined our new airline will exceed expectations and provide our customers with the kind of service that will mark us apart from our competition."

Kuwait National Airways begins services in January 2009 with daily flights to the most popular destinations in the Middle East. Flight schedule details will be announced during the next few months.