Wataniya Airways receives Air Operators Certificate

The AOC is a statutory requirement for any international airline from its National Aviation Authority that permits the airline to undertake commercial flying operations.

The AOC was officially presented in an official ceremony attended by DGCA President Fawaz Al, Farah and Wataniya Airways Chairman Abdulsalam Al Bahar.and Chief Executive George Cooper.

Commenting on the awarding of the Certificate, Mr. Al Bahar said:

'This is a highly important development for Wataniya Airways as we continue our progress and planning toward commencing our first flights and commercial operations in 2009.'

Wataniya Airways intends to be the airline of choice for the sophisticated Kuwaiti traveler offering a range of unique services both in the air and on the ground from early 2009.

DGCA President Fawaz Al Farah added: 'We are confident that Wataniya Airways, the third airline to be headquartered in Kuwait, will offer the highest international standards of safety and quality across all of its operations when it commences operational services.'

Wataniya Airways Chief Executive George Cooper said: 'We are very grateful to the DGCA for the award of this vital certificate and the vote of confidence they have given us in the structure and systems we are putting in place to launch Kuwait's first premium airline next year.'

The Air Operators Certificate is the official document issued to an airline by its national safety regulator, it attests to the airline's ability to conduct a safe operation and clearly defines who is in charge of its safety oversight. Without the AOC an airline is not allowed to operate or conduct commercial flights

Wataniya Airways will start operations with a fleet of two Airbus A320 aircraft offering unparalleled room and comfort for all passengers with the lowest seat density of an A320 of any scheduled airline in the world.

Services will commence from January 2009 and will offer a point to point service from Kuwait to destinations south and west of the country in the Gulf and Middle East - providing flight schedules and destinations that focus on Kuwaiti needs.