Wataniya Airways announces Dubai as first destination for flights in February 2009

The airline also announced the start of its ticketing operations at a press conference held at Kuwait's Royal Terminal - the new luxury departure point for Wataniya Airways services.

It will be the first time that any commercial flight in Kuwait has taken off from a location other than Kuwait International Airport and the announcement comes after gaining approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to use the prestigious luxury Royal Terminal as its base for operations.

Wataniya Airways Chairman & Managing Director Abdul Salam Al Bahar said that the announcements were a significant step in the preparations by the airline to officially commence operations early in 2009. He said:

"Wataniya Airways is very proud to have reached this stage in our preparations and our team is delighted at the achievements to date and the fact that we can now announce that the countdown has officially started for providing Kuwaitis with a new travelling experience - one that will start in the superb surroundings of the Royal Terminal."

Wataniya Airways also announced that the listing of its parent company Kuwait National Airways will take place on the Kuwait Stock Exchange on the 15th of December 2008.

The airline also said that it has been awarded the easily recognizable "KW" flight code by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and that will be used for all its flights upon the commencement of operations - reinforcing the airline's proud Kuwaiti heritage.

From its new headquarters at the Royal Terminal, one of the largest private aviation terminals in the world, Wataniya Airways will be able to showcase its premium and luxury services for both its First Class and Premium Economy passengers. The terminal offers various hospitality services to travellers from limousine pickup from any location in Kuwait, to prompt and highly practical check-in procedures, as well as luxurious first class lounges. Passengers onboard Wataniya Airways are set to enjoy an exceptional travelling experience both on the ground and in the air.

"We are looking forward to providing our guests with the chance to enjoy the combination of our luxury services onboard our short-haul direct flights on our fleet of new A320 Airbus aircraft and on the ground at the Royal Terminal. It will be a unique travelling experience for people in Kuwait. Dubai is the ideal first destination given the high volume of business and leisure travel to the city and, in the coming weeks, we shall be announcing further destinations to come on stream before the end of February," said Wataniya Airways CEO George Cooper.

Commenting on securing the "KW" flight code, Mr. Cooper added: "We are delighted to have had the approval of our request for "KW" which is a major statement of intent that clearly identifies Wataniya Airways to the traveling public as a truly "Kuwaiti" airline; this is especially fitting, given that the airline has been created with the Kuwaiti customer first and foremost in mind, offering routes and schedules that will fit around the travelling requirements of Kuwaitis," added Cooper.

Wataniya Airways will be the first in the region to install revolutionary, cutting edge technology on board its new luxury aircraft providing travellers with unparalleled choice for in-flight entertainment and special facilities that will appeal to both leisure and business guests. The personal entertainment selection will create an outstanding personal home theatre experience and the new aircraft technology will provide First Class guests additional features by allowing them to plug their iPods (or similar MP3 devices) directly into sockets located in their seat.

And for the first time ever in the region, busy travellers can send and receive SMSs and emails on their mobile phones and Blackberries using OnAir innovative technology. The ability to use and recharge personal communications devices, including laptops, on Wataniya Airways planes will be an added value to business and leisure travellers.

Wataniya Airways new fleet will also be fitted with individually crafted German Recaro leather seating that provides the ultimate in comfort, suiting the short-haul flight business model in their First and Premium Economy classes and which are generally reserved for high-end luxury sports cars lines like Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini.