Follows 34-Plane Deal Announced Last Year

Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, has signed a firm contract for 10 additional Airbus A320 aircraft. The contract follows one for 34 Airbus A320s signed at the end of 2007.

"Following Air Arabia's expansion plans and the new hub in Morocco expected to operate next year, expanding the fleet size is certainly a need," said Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia. "Our vision is to be one of the world's leading budget airlines in terms of profit margin, innovation, reputation, and operational excellence, and having the A320 at the heart of our fleet is the best and quickest way we can achieve this."

"We are pleased Air Arabia has once again confirmed their trust in our A320 family. With this decision, Air Arabia recognizes the technological superiority of the A320, which also has the lowest operating costs in its class. The A320 also has the widest fuselage giving added operational efficiency and passenger comfort including increased storage volume," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

Sharjah-based Air Arabia currently operates 16 A320s, and serves a network of more than 44 destinations across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia and North Africa.

With the establishment of a second hub in Casablanca in early 2009, Air Arabia will extend its network to Europe, Middle East and Africa through a joint venture with Moroccan privately owned airline Regional Airways. The new airline will be called Air Arabia Maroc. Launched in 2003, Air Arabia has served more than 5 million passengers over the past four years.

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.airarabia.com