Global Holidays appointed GSA of NAS Air

The agreement comes at a time when air travel between the two countries is reaching historic highs.

Global Holidays also holds GSA agreements with Gulliver's Travel Associates and other GCC airlines. The company posted 60% increase in revenues in 2007 and expects further growth this year in view of positive developments in the country. It has developed a network of over 800 travel agencies which is expected to guarantee regular demand for the new routes of NAS Air.

"The entry of NAS Air in Lebanon would impact positively on the range of air travel options available to the market. It caters to travellers who would like to get the best value at very competitive rates. There is a sizeable Lebanese population in Saudi Arabia that would greatly benefit from this development. In addition, Lebanese Muslims will have greater access to Mecca for Umrah and Hajj through the airline's budget-friendly service. It is our aim to offer a viable alternative to low and middle income segments of the market intending to make a pilgrimage to the Holy City,"

explained George Moussa, President of Global Holidays.

NAS Air is Saudi Arabia's first budget airline. The carrier is headquartered in Riyadh and operates over 300 flights a week to more than 20 destinations. It offers passengers the choice to purchase food and beverage in-flight as part of its strategy to keep airfare highly affordable. The carrier is wholly owned by the National Aviation Services, a well-established private aviation group based in Saudi Arabia.

Moussa reveals: "NAS Air will fly thrice weekly from Jeddah and Riyadh to Beirut. An exclusive office will open in Downtown Beirut soon to serve our clients. This partnership is part of our continuing efforts to give our customers the best value for their money."

Established in 1992, Global Holidays is a member of Planet Group, a conglomerate of 11 companies with business interests in hospitality, travel, aviation, freight forwarding, cargo, hotel, real estate, entertainment, food & beverage, exhibitions, logistics and trading. Founded in 1989, the Group has an international network in the Middle East (UAE, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey), Europe (Germany, France and United Kingdom) and CIS Countries (Russia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan) and has over 1,000 professionally trained employees. The Group has been internationally-recognized and awarded for its continuous drive to deliver quality services.

Global Holidays has its main headquarters in Dora and its Air Arabia office in Hamrah, right in the heart of Beirut.