Wataniya sees strong demand despite crisis

Dubai: Kuwait's Wataniya Airways expects strong demand for its services from Kuwaiti travellers when it begins flying to Dubai as its first destination on January 24.

Airline officials said yesterday the current economic downturn is unlikely to have a major impact on its operations because of Wataniya's strong focus on affluent Kuwaiti national passengers.

Wataniya chief executive officer George Cooper said most Kuwaitis are employed with the public sector and their work conditions are not going to be affected by any economic downturn.

The Kuwaiti government offers its citizens generous allowances and leave benefits, making them an important segment in the holiday trade.

The airline will operate twice-daily flights between Dubai International Airport and Kuwait's Royal Terminal, a general aviation facility that will be used for the first time for scheduled commercial flights.

Wataniya, which markets itself as a "full-service luxury airline," will deploy an A320 aircraft in two-class configuration, providing 26 first class seats and 96 premium economy class seats.

In onboard facilities, passengers will be able to send and receive text messages and e-mails on their mobile phones and Blackberry handsets using OnAir innovative technology.

Cooper said the airline made Dubai the launch destination as it is a primary business and tourism hub in the region.

The airline hopes it will be able to capitalise on the bargains being offered by hotels and tour operators in the downturn to attract more travellers.

Planet Group will be the airline's general sales agent in UAE and Lebanon.

Flights to Bahrain and Beirut are planned in early March, Wataniya's commercial director Paul Sies said.

The number of planes in service by 2009-end will grow to four A320s with three more aircraft joining the all-A320 fleet in 2010.