RAK Airways puts off commercial launch

Dubai: Plans to launch commercial service for RAK Airways again seem to be on hold after it missed its latest target launch date of April.

"Before we start flying there is much groundwork still to be done," new CEO Kishu Teckchandani, told Gulf News.

Teckchandani took the reins in late February from former chief executive Jack Romero, who was relieved when it became clear the company's commercial operations were to be delayed by several months.

At the time of the management change, RAK Airways' managing director, Khater Massaad, forecast the airline to launch in early April.

Yesterday, the new chief executive refused to speculate whether the airline would even launch in 2007. "We don't want to make any statements [on a launch date] because we don't want to raise hopes," he said.

Teckchandani said RAK Airways was still negotiating air traffic rights with India and Iran, two countries that figure prominently in its planned network.

When it does begin service, the airline will become the fourth national airline of the UAE, joining Emirates, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia.

RAK Airways has opted for a full-service carrier approach, with business and economy classes, instead of the low-cost carrier model which is growing in popularity in the region.

Travel agencies, usually the first to hear when a new airline will enter into service, have also heard little about the airline's plans.

"Usually we receive a circular one month before an airline starts flying, and that hasn't happened yet," said a travel agent at SNTTA, the Sharjah-based travel agency.

Teckchandani also said the airline still needed to procure its second leased aircraft, although it does have the necessary cabin crew and pilots on staff.

"We are making fine, steady progress, and we hope to begin flying very soon," he said.