Wataniya Airways announces Beirut and Bahrain as new destinations from March 2009

Flights to the new destinations will commence with the arrival of the second leased A320 aircraft expected by the end of February.

Adding to the previously announced initial destination of Dubai, flights to which will commence in late January 2009, this announcement underscores Wataniya Airways' expanding list of popular short-haul destinations.

Commenting on the announcement of the new routes, Wataniya Airways Chairman & Managing Director Abdul Salam Al Bahar said:

"As part of our pledge to provide destinations that suit the requirements and demands of the Kuwaiti traveler, whether for business or leisure, Beirut and Bahrain are natural destinations not only because of the historical ties with Kuwait but also because they represent special gateways within the Middle East."

The Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority has focused in recent years on expanding the country's international exposure through adopting an open sky policy to boost its tourism business. Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs has also adopted an open skies policy, aimed at establishing the Kingdom as a significant financial and tourism center in the region.

The announcement also marks the initiation of a comprehensive outdoor and television promotional campaign that marks the ramping up of the new airline's marketing communications efforts in the final planning stages prior to taking to the skies in early 2009.

Wataniya Airways CEO George Cooper said that the announcement was another significant building block for the airline, "Beirut and Bahrain are immensely important routes for Kuwaiti travelers and we expect to offer a combination of advantageous schedules with superior service to our guests that will differentiate the Wataniya Airways travel experience from that of other commercial carriers."

Guests can now book their flights for the new routes, whether First Class or Premium Economy Class, using a variety of methods including online, via Wataniya's Guest Contact Centre or any preferred travel agency.

Kuwait's luxury airline is set to showcase its capabilities with its premium, full-service offering both on the ground and in the air commencing early 2009. All flights from Kuwait will be taking off from the Royal Terminal, one of the largest private aviation terminals in the world. It will be the first time that any commercial flight in Kuwait has taken off from a location other than Kuwait International Airport.

Flight bookings can be done by either calling the Guest Contact Centre on + 965 24379999, using the website, or through the most popular travel agents.