Middle East carriers not driven by providing returns to shareholders: Wataniya CEO
Wataniya Airways CEO, George Cooper, stated many airlines in the Middle East region have an agenda that is not driven by providing returns to shareholders (arabianaerospace, 07-Aug-2010). Commenting on the privatisation of Kuwait Airways, Mr Cooper said: "I think it's a very good thing because companies that are privatised and live fully exposed to the demands of shareholders tend to become more efficient and to develop in various ways. That can only be good for air transport in Kuwait and the wider region." Mr Cooper also stated that Wataniya has "outsourced a lot of infrastructure", adding that this has allowed the carrier to "offer a premium product at a normal price". He added that the carrier is scheduled to take delivery of a seventh aircraft in 2010, with further route development likely.