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• Air Arabia’s 46th destination globally, 3rd in Europe
• First LCC in the Middle East to commence operations to Athens
• Flights to operate three times per week

Sharjah, April 21, 2009: Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, today launched non-stop service to the Greek city of Athens, from the carrier’s main hub in Sharjah, UAE. The launch of this new destination is part of Air Arabia’s strategy to expand its operations to Europe.

The inaugural flight and delegation was marked by the attendance of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Development Authority. The flight was accompanied by receptions in both Sharjah and Athens airports attended by special guests.

Roundtrip flights will operate three times per week between Athens “Eleftherios Venizelos” International Airport in the capital of Greece, and Air Arabia’s hub in Sharjah, UAE. Air Arabia is the first LCC in the Middle East commencing operations to Athens.

The LCC will fly to Athens on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, departing Sharjah at 18:55 and arriving in Athens at 22:45. Return flights will depart Athens at 23:30 and arrive in Sharjah at 05:20. 

Air Arabia’s first destination in Greece is also the carrier’s first destination in a European Union country and the 3rd destination on the European continent. In total, Air Arabia now serves 46 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia and Southern Europe.

AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia, said: “Greece is one of the fastest growing economies in the EU, and there is considerable passenger traffic between the country and the Middle East, particularly for tourism and business. We are delighted to now offer non-stop service between Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE, and Athens, one of the great cultural cities of Europe. We are confident that Athens will serve as a great holiday, personal travel and business destination for our passengers.”

Athens, the largest city in Greece, is one of the world's oldest cities with recorded history spanning some 3,400 years. A bustling and cosmopolitan metropolis, Athens is central to economic, financial, industrial, political and cultural life in Greece. It is rapidly becoming a leading business centre in the European Union.

Dr. Yiannis Paraschis, Chief Executive Officer of Athens International Airport	The ceremonial water archway saluting the arrival of Air Arabia’s aircraft	H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qassimi	The traditional “ribbon bonding” at Athens International Airport	Air Arabia Press Conference at Athens International Airport’s Media Centre

About Air Arabia: Air Arabia (PJSC), listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is the Middle East and North Africa’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC). Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a fleet of 16 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 45 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Central Asia through its main hub in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Air Arabia is modeled after leading American and European low-cost airlines, and its business model is customised to accommodate local preferences. Its main focus is to make air travel more convenient through Internet bookings and offering the lowest fares in the market along with the highest levels of safety and service standards. For further information, please visit: www.airarabia.com  

For further information, please contact:
Housam Raydan
Corporate Communications Manager
Air Arabia PJSC  
Sharjah, UAE
Tel: 971-6-5088968
Fax: 971-6-5580031  
E-mail: hraydan@airarabia.com