Turnover reaches AED 722 million, up 22 per cent

Passenger traffic increases 18 per cent

Sharjah, UAE; May 13, 2013: Air Arabia (PJSC), the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, announced today its financial results for the three months ending March 31, 2013, demonstrating the airline's strong financial position and outstanding performance.

Air Arabia reported a net profit of AED 59 million for the three months ending March 31, 2013, exceeding analysts' forecast and registering an increase of 20 per cent compared to AED 49 million in the corresponding quarter in 2012. The airline attributes the impressive growth to its appealing product offering and strong operational performance.

In the first quarter of this year, Air Arabia posted a turnover of AED 722 million, an increase of 22 per cent compared to AED 594 million in the same period of 2012.

Between January 1, 2013 and March 31, 2013, Air Arabia launched non-stop services from its primary hub in Sharjah to four new destinations. In addition, the low-cost pioneer increased frequency of flights from Sharjah to Beirut in Lebanon, Salalah in Oman, and Dhaka in Bangladesh.  

Last month, Air Arabia reported that it carried a record 1.4 million passengers in first quarter of this year, the highest number of passengers that the airline handled in a quarter since inception in 2003. The passenger number represents 18 per cent growth compared to the same period last year. The average seat load factor - or passengers carried as a percentage of available seats - stood at an impressive 82 per cent.

"We are delighted to showcase yet another quarter of strong financial and operational performance," said Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia. "Today's announcement further demonstrates that Air Arabia continues to set benchmark for the LCC model as well as for the wider aviation sector in the region. For almost a decade we worked tirelessly to offer what our customers want- a wide range of destinations at affordable prices."

He added, "As the airline is on a steady growth trajectory, the sustained profitability and solid growth margins enable Air Arabia to enter new geographies and launch new ventures. As we are soon celebrating our 10th anniversary, we remain committed to deliver exciting travel solutions to millions of passengers every year."

The first quarter of this year saw Air Arabia taking delivery of two aircraft from Airbus. The airline will receive four more A320 aircraft this year, which is in line with Air Arabia's growth plan to further expand its geographic network and significantly grow the size of its fleet by 2016.

-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. Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a total fleet of 33 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 85 routes from three hubs in the 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
Air Arabia PJSC
Sharjah, UAE
Tel: 971-6-5088968
Fax: 971-6-5580031
E-mail: hraydan@airarabia.com

Ajith Henry  
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
Tel:+971-4-4507600
Fax: +971-4-4358040
Email: ajith.henry@bm.com

© Press Release 2013