Low Cost Carrier (LCC) Air Arabia has confirmed that it will remain a LCC rather than shifting to a more hybrid model offering premiums services on some routes like its rivals, Adel Ali, flydubai and flynas.
Air Arabia plans to extend its network starting with three destinations in China, although more details haven’t been disclosed. The airline is limited to a five hour flight time with its current fleet that will lead it to fly to destinations in Southwest China without establishing a new hub.
Air Arabia will receive 24 aircraft from Airbus by first quarter 2014 as part of an existing A320 order, and will need to finance 10 aircraft it will take next year. The airline is reported to be considering financing through a sukuk.