RAK Airways to launch its first domestic flight to Abu Dhabi

At a press Iftar, recently, RAK Airways Acting CEO, John Brayford announced the airline's strategic plan to land in Abu Dhabi, bringing the capital closer to the residents of Ras Al Khaimah and Northern Emirates.

John Brayford said, "With the launch of Abu Dhabi, we are offering residents of Ras Al Khaimah and Northern Emirates, an alternative and we are connecting Ras Al Khaimah to the capital."

RAK Airways will embark into a major milestone with its touchdown in the capital, Abu Dhabi on 3 October 2012. With the first flight to Abu Dhabi, RAK Airways will be the first UAE flag carrier to operate domestic flights and the airline's route network moves up to 10 destinations.

With passenger traffic on the rise and new routes earmarked, RAK Airways, the flagship carrier of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, is strengthening its foothold in the regional aviation market.

The national carrier's move to introduce more routes, boosted by the emirate's efforts to market itself as a tourist and business destination, has also led to a significant rise in passenger numbers at RAK International Airport.

Data issued by the airport's operators show that its passenger traffic increased by 58.5% in the first three months of 2012, well exceeding previous expectations.