Jazeera Airways, Kuwait's leading low-cost airline, today launched its first flight to London with its newest A320neo aircraft, becoming the first low-cost carrier in the Middle East to fly to the UK.
The flight “J9 1” also marks the first new service to the UK from Kuwait in 55 years.
Jazeera Airways flights land at London Gatwick Airport South Terminal where access to the Gatwick Express train connects passengers directly to central London.
A press conference, held ahead of the take off at the Jazeera Terminal 5 at Kuwait International Airport, was addressed by Michael Davenport, UK Ambassador to Kuwait; Engineer Yousef Sulaiman Al Fouzan, director general of Kuwait’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Jazeera Airways chairman Marwan Boodai.
Davenport said: “We are proud of this new service made possible by the new air services agreement signed last year between Britain and Kuwait. The launch coincides with our celebration to mark 120th anniversary of the Kuwaiti-British Treaty of Friendship.
"Britain and Kuwait are long-lasting partners, allies and friends, as we continue to broaden and deepen our relations in areas such as energy, education, healthcare and security. Trade and investment between our two countries are flourishing. The private sector in both countries have a big role to play in supporting these growing relations.
"More Kuwaitis are studying at British universities than ever before -- more than 6,000 at the last count. Many of them receive visits from their friends and families in Kuwait. Britain is the most popular travel destination for residents of Kuwait. Britain, with its 28 Unesco World Heritage sites and eight dedicated heritage cities, as well as 10 national parks, offers a vast array of places to explore. For many Kuwaitis, Britain’s cities are a second home – not only London, but Manchester, Cardiff, Milton Keynes, and Glasgow. Last year, we welcomed over 150,000 Kuwaitis in Britain, attracted by Britain’s world-class luxury shopping, stunning countryside, unique cities and a vibrant calendar of cultural festivals and sporting events – not just Premier League."
Engineer Al Fouzan said: “We are pleased to take part of the launch of the first Jazeera Airways flight to UK. We believe in the role of the private sector in supporting the aviation sector. Flights to London is the first of six other destinations planned by Jazeera Airways, and support the DGCA’s vision to increase air traffic to and from Kuwait International Airport."
Boodai said: “We are proud to mark our expansion in 2019 with flights to London, served with our new A320neo aircraft. London Gatwick will be served with four flights a week and frequency will increase to daily flights in December. We also continue to expand with flights to new underserved or never served destinations from the Middle East, including destinations in Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, KSA, UAE and more.” - TradeArabia News Service
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