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RAK Airways signs Dh1.65b deal for Boeing 737s

RAK Airways, the UAE's fourth national carrier signed here a Dh1.65 billion deal with Boeing Commercial Airplanes for the purchase of four new-generation 737-800NG aircraft.

It is the first airline in the UAE to buy the Boeing 737-800NG - a short-to-medium-range jet.

Addressing a press conference Shaikh Omar Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, RAK Airways Chairman, said, "RAK Airways believes in providing premium service to its customers, in line with our strategy to enhance customer services by adding new destinations, increased frequencies and new generation aircraft.

"We are extremely proud to announce our deal with Boeing and are extremely positive that the 737-800NG is the best choice for the long-term success of the airline."

Shaikh Omar added that the new airplanes will be used for short to medium range flights. "RAK Airways will receive the first two airplanes in 2011 and the two other airplanes will be received in 2012 to join three other leased airplanes currently in service," he said.

Commenting on the expansion plans of the airline, Shaikh Omar said that RAK Airways is currently working hard to obtain the necessary licences and fly to new destinations including Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bulgaria along with seasonal flights to Cairo and Lebanon.

He added that until the initial deliveries of the airplanes, RAK Airways will operate with leased aircraft.

"RAK Airways will adopt a hub and spoke network strategy by attracting passengers from other countries to Ras Al Khaimah and then flying them to other destinations," he added.

RAK Airways started flying in November 2007 with one leased aircraft. Shaikh Omar said the expansion plan also includes the completion of the expansion works currently implemented, adding that all the expansion works in the arrival and departure halls at the RAK International Airport are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The airlines is currently working hard to obtain the necessary licences and fly to new destinations including Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bulgaria along with seasonal flights to Cairo and Lebanon.