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Air Arabia set to launch direct fights to NW Chinese city

Xinhua, January 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

Air Arabia, the largest budget carrier in the Middle East, said on Monday it will launch its first direct flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) city of Sharja to the northwestern Chinese city of Urumqi on Feb. 10.

The company said that with the new move it would be the first budget carrier in the Middle East to organize flights to the biggest East Asian nation.

Founded in 2003, Air Arabia serves 100 routes with 40 Airbus A320 aircraft.

"The Chinese aviation sector has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years and we are delighted to be the first low-cost carrier from the Middle East and North Africa region to play an important role in this incredible story," said Air Arabia's Chief Executive Officer Adel Abdullah Ali.

"With a large population, strong economy and vibrant cultural scene, Urumqi represents an exciting Chinese destination for us and we hope to add more routes over time," the group's CEO added.

Air Arabia is scheduled to operate three flights a week to Urumqi from its main hub in Sharjah.

"We have had our eye on the Chinese market for some time and are now ready to begin regular services to one of the world's great economies," said Ali. Endit