Kuwait based, regional carrier Jazeera Airways, (KSE: Jazeera, Bloomberg: Jazeera KK, Reuters: JAZK.KW) is officially now the sixth largest carrier operating to and from Lebanon, according to the latest flight and passenger figures for 2009 released by Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut.

Having been in operation for just four years, Jazeera surpassed a number of regional and international low fare and legacy airlines – including Turkish Airways, Etihad Airways and Egypt Air – in terms of the total number of aircraft and total number of passengers flown in and out of the country. Jazeera took its place among the top 10 carriers in the region, along with airline giants Middle East Airlines, Emirates and Air France.

“Following encouraging results for November, we are thrilled to have become the sixth largest airline operating to and from Lebanon. Having only been in operation for four years, it is exciting to be among the top 10 airlines in Lebanon and it is a true testament to Jazeera’s hard work. We will continue to expand and improve on our offering in the future to provide the best value for money services for all our Guests,” commented Stefan Pichler, CEO, Jazeera Airways.

Having soared to number six in Lebanon, the success of the airline comes just over a year after it launched its dedicated Jazeera sales shop in the Lebanese capital. Jazeera Airways operates twice-daily direct flights from Beirut to Kuwait, offering morning and afternoon flights at 10.50 and 18.45 with connections to destinations across the Jazeera Airways network. “During 2009, we reached a number of milestones, including an improved network, the launch of our Business Class service and the opening of several new sales shops.

These recent figures demonstrate the success of our operations in Lebanon, which we will strive to continue and improve on during 2010 to ensure best in class services for Guests travelling around the region,” added Pichler. To book flights to any of Jazeera’s 21 exciting destinations, visit: www.jazeeraairways.com Jazeera Airways currently operates a fleet of 11 Airbus A320s.

Each aircraft is fitted with the airline’s signature leather seating, while the Jazeera Business Class cabin offers business travellers a little extra convenience including easy booking, special check-in counters, 40 kilograms baggage allowance, access to airport lounges and exclusive in-flight service and entertainment. The airline flies to destinations in the Middle East, North Africa and Iran.

(c) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 02-Feb-10

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