Wataniya Airways first aircraft arrives in Kuwait

The airline's first aircraft, bearing the distinctive Wataniya Airways livery, has completed its maiden flight from Airbus' headquarters in Toulouse to Kuwait in anticipation of starting its scheduled service from the 24th of January.

The fully-crewed aircraft was welcomed to its new home at the Sheikh Saad Terminal, formerly the Royal Terminal and adjoining Kuwait International Airport, by senior Wataniya Airways management and staff today. The aircraft's historic arrival was commemorated with a traditional water salute from fire fighting teams at the airport to celebrate its momentous arrival.

Abdul Salam Al Bahar, Chairman of Wataniya Airways, said:

"The arrival of the very first aircraft of the Wataniya Airways fleet is a tremendous milestone in Kuwait's aviation history and it was an immensely proud moment for all of us who have been committed to this project from the start to see our first aircraft land and taxi in to the Sheikh Saad Terminal."

"Kuwait's aviation industry is among the most advanced in the region and I am proud that through Wataniya Airways we have, by establishing a premium airline, been able to contribute towards fulfilling the Amiri mandate of widening the scope of airline carriers for Kuwait," he added.

The Airbus A 320 left Toulouse, the home of Airbus, earlier this morning piloted by Captain Anthony Jamieson and First Officer Mohammed Al-Gaith with a full complement of Wataniya Airways crew onboard to make this historic maiden flight. They are among the 31 pilots and 51 cabin crew who have now been recruited by Wataniya and have undergone intensive training for 3 months prior to flying to Toulouse for additional training on the aircraft before returning to Kuwait.

The Wataniya Airways Chairman and the CEO, flanked by the rest of the airline team and along with special guests and the Kuwaiti media were waiting at Sheikh Saad Terminal to officially welcome the aircraft to Kuwait.

"This truly is a tremendous occasion as it signifies the official birth of our new premium airline and one that will deliver an outstanding service to a discerning public," said George Cooper, CEO for Wataniya Airways. "This historic day marks the culmination of extensive planning and the hard work and dedication of the Wataniya Airways team and I am proud that we are now only days away from our inaugural commercial flight that will offer the best possible travel experience both on the ground and in the air."

Wataniya Airways will start operations on the 24th of January by providing two daily flights to Dubai. Additional popular destinations for travellers from and to Kuwait will be announced shortly.

The airline is the first and only Kuwaiti commercial airline to operate from the prestigious Sheikh Saad Terminal (formerly known as the Royal Terminal, adjacent to Kuwait International Airport).

From additional legroom to comfortable seats and state-of-the-art in-flight-entertainment systems - Wataniya Airways also prides itself in having a highly trained team and crew that combine professionalism with the personality that is special to Wataniya Airways.

The airline will be using the easily recognizable "KW" flight code for all its flights and will carry an image of the Kuwait Towers on its tailfin - reinforcing the airline's proud Kuwaiti heritage. The airline is now set to demonstrate that it has what it takes to make its nation proud.