Over the next ten years, Kuwait Airways plans to lease eight Airbus aircraft

Kuwait Airways has unveiled its strategic initiative to lease eight Airbus aircraft over the next decade, aiming to amplify passenger capacity and tap into the burgeoning popularity of the Gulf region as a premier tourist destination. The national carrier intends to execute this expansion plan by incorporating Airbus 321neo aircraft into its fleet through lease agreements spanning 8 to 10 years. During a recent press conference, Ali Aldukhan, Chairman of Kuwait Airways, disclosed that the airline is currently evaluating proposals from various leasing agencies. The decision to exclusively opt for Airbus 321neo planes aligns with the carrier's commitment to modernizing its fleet and meeting the demands of the evolving aviation landscape. This announcement comes on the heels of Kuwait Airways CEO Maen Razouqi's earlier declaration outlining the company's ambition to escalate passenger numbers to 5.5 million by the year 2025. In January 2022, the airline augmented its initial order of Airbus aircraft from 28 to 31 as part of a substantial multimillion-pound deal. The increased order aimed to facilitate extended non-stop services and broaden the airline's reach across Africa, Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.

Under the agreement with Airbus, Kuwait Airways is set to receive a diverse range of aircraft, including nine Airbus A320neos, six A321neos, three A321neo LRs, four A330-800neos, seven A330-900neos, and two A350-900s. In the broader context of the Gulf region's aviation sector, 2023 has emerged as an eventful year marked by significant commitments from key players. Qatar Airways, for instance, announced plans in March to add seven new destinations to its network, reinforcing its global footprint to nearly 180 destinations. Meanwhile, Emirates, the UAE's flag carrier, signed memoranda of understanding with Bahrain and Zambia to bolster tourism ties and increase connectivity.

Emirates aims to collaborate with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority to enhance the country's appeal in key markets, positioning it as an attractive weekend getaway for travellers from Israel and the UAE. Simultaneously, the airline's partnership with Zambia Tourism will involve marketing campaigns to promote tourism, focusing on attractions such as the renowned Victoria Falls and national parks. In the same period, Etihad, the UAE's second flag carrier, disclosed plans to inaugurate a direct route between the UAE and Osaka, Japan, commencing operations on October 1st. This new route to Osaka will complement Etihad's existing service to Tokyo, offering travellers access to the vibrant culinary scene and popular destinations like Nara, Kobe, and Himeji Castle.