'Air Arabia Maroc' to begin operations in early 2009

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Air Arabia's second hub in Casablanca will provide the Sharjah-based LCC with a platform from which to reach the wider Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) market. The new airline, named 'Air Arabia Maroc,' will cover Morocco's domestic sector and operate in selected destinations across Europe and Africa.

Last year, Air Arabia announced the establishment of its second hub following the signing of a management agreement with Regional Air Lines, the leading private carrier in Morocco. Air Arabia will assume management control and apply its successful business model to the management of the newly established LCC.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said: 'Air Arabia already enjoys a strong presence in the MENA region, and has now embarked upon a phase of rapid growth and expansion. In addition to further strengthening our operations in Sharjah, we are keen to capitalise on the immense potential in North Africa and Southern Europe. With our new hub in Morocco, we will now be able to expand our coverage across EMEA markets. Work on the Casablanca hub is in full swing and operations will begin early next year.'

Mohamed Hassan Ben Salah, Chairman, Regional Air Lines, said: 'We are very excited about our partnership with Air Arabia. Since the announcement of this agreement last year, we have been working closely to create an airline that will provide travellers in Morocco and across the EMEA region with greater choices in efficient and cost-effective travel solutions. With its expanded coverage, we are confident that the new carrier will also contribute to the growth of tourism in the Kingdom.'

Launched in 1997, Regional Air lines covers nearly all major urban centres in Morocco and four destinations in the southern European nations of Spain and Portugal.

Ithmaar Bank, a Bahrain-based investment bank with global reach, also joins Air Arabia and Regional Air Lines as partners in the newly created company.