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Flyadeal Enters Saudi Skies on National Day | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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During the ceremony at GACA Headquarters and reception of AOC (SPA)


Riyadh– Flyadeal airlines will begin operating on September 23, Saudi National Day, according to The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).

On Wednesday, GACA issued Flyadeal an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) as the Kingdom’s new low fare airline to begin operating inside and outside the kingdom.

During a ceremony held at GACA headquarters in Riyadh, President of GACA Abdul-Hakeem al-Tamimi today handed over the certificate to Chairman of Flyadeal and Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) corporation Saleh al-Jasser in the presence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of SAUDIA Ghassan al-Shebl.

Flyadeal is a Saudia subsidiary and upon receiving this certificate, it can use its aircraft for commercial purposes.

GACA President congratulated Flyadeal on their achievement, saying that it received the AOC after completing its requirements and meeting all the conditions. He reiterated that new airlines operating in the market are a positive indication, adding that further more achievements are expected.

Tamimi also added that adding new airlines to the international and regional aviation market meets the goals of Vision 2030 aiming to achieve a comprehensive development and build a strong economy.

Saudia’s Jasser said the addition of Flyadeal to the Saudi aviation market will help meet the growing demand for low-cost air travel and offer customers more choice.

CEO of Flyadeal, Con Korfiatis said that Flyadeal will be Saudi Arabia’s newest airline, providing a readily accessible low fare travel with an optimal fleet to serve both domestic and regional markets.

“Your focused support and regulatory guidance over the last few months has helped us reach the highest standards in quality and safety before we commence operations,” said Korfiatis upon achieving the certificate.

He also thanked GACA for helping deliver this airline on time so that it can commence our flying as of next week, on Saudi National Day.

Pilot Abdulaziz Nagadi said that Flyadeal managed to fulfill all regulatory and economic requirements as well as safety standards thus enabling it to attain a national air operator certificate. He explained that with Flyadeal joining Saudia, Nesma Airlines, and Flynas, the market will be competitive in providing services to the market and will create a balance between demand and supply.

In August, Flyadeal received its first brand new aircraft and the first of eight Airbus A320ceos. The eight aircraft are part of the airline’s initial fleet plan, with future growth in the coming years.

At a special delivery ceremony at the Airbus Finkenwerder Facility in Hamburg, Germany, officials from Flyadeal, Airbus, CFM Engines, DAE, government dignitaries and members of the international media were in attendance to inaugurate the airline’s first aircraft to join the fleet.