'C check' completed in Air Arabia's new state-of-the-art hangar at Sharjah International Airport
Sharjah, UAE; January 18, 2012: Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today that it has completed its first in-house maintenance of Airbus A320 aircraft. The "C check" was carried out at the airline's new state-of-the-art hangar at Sharjah International Airport, which has been designed to meet all the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) requirements and regulations for the airline's ever growing fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.
Inaugurated last October by H.H Ruler of Sharjah, the new facility enables Air Arabia to provide appropriate level of engineering support as well as aircraft maintenance inspections from A checks up to C3. Built on a land area of 1502 sq meters, the new hanger also allows Air Arabia to offer maintenance services to other aircrafts across the globe.
"The first in-house maintenance of one of our aircraft is a major milestone in Air Arabia's journey," said Adel Ali, Board Member & Group CEO of Air Arabia. "This capability will allow the airline to maintain its rapidly growing fleet with state-of-the art facility and a team of world class expertise, as the airline continues to expand its route network."
The "C check" is a periodic aircraft maintenance and inspection service, which is required to be carried out every 14 months to ensure the safety, performance and reliability of commercial aircraft.
Air Arabia hanger can accommodate an aircraft up to the size of an Airbus A321 and it is fully equipped to handle batteries, painting, sanding, composite materials and sheet metal, brakes, wheels, appearance and non-destructive testing. The new hanger supplements the line maintenance support already provided in Sharjah and multiple destinations. This enhancement has also created employment benefits for the area along with all of the associated support given by sub-contracted companies, for the supply of equipment and materials. Currently staffed by 165 skilled professionals, the Air Arabia hangar is anticipated to employ 500 staff by 2017.
-Ends-
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 total fleet of 29 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 70 routes from three hubs in UAE, Morocco and Egypt.
Air Arabia is an award-winning airline that focuses on offering comfort, reliability and value-for-money air travel. 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
Ajith Henry / Tameem Alkintar
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-4507 600
Fax: 971-4-4358 040
a.henry@asdaa.com / t.alkintar@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2012
