Kuwait Airways Restructures Its Fleet with the Latest Airbus Aircraft

Kuwait Airways signed an agreement with Airbus to restructure the Company's fleet of Airbus aircraft. The agreement was signed by the Chairman of Kuwait Airways, Captain Ali Al-Dukhan, representing Kuwait Airways and by the President of Airbus for Africa and Middle East, Mr. Mikail Houari as representative of Airbus, and in the presence of the President of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Abdullah Ali Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, the Ambassador of Germany to the State of Kuwait, HE Stefan Mobbs, the Ambassador of the Republic of France to the State of Kuwait, HE Claire Le Flecher, Board Members of Kuwait Airways, the Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Maen Razouqi, and various senior officials and Heads of the Company.

In this regard, Kuwait Airways Chairman, Mr. Ali Al-Dukhan stated, "Kuwait Airways is pleased to announce the signing of the agreement to restructure the Company's Airbus aircraft, which aligns with the plans and strategies of the Blue Bird to develop the fleet with the addition of new models, different types, capacities and sizes appropriate to the vision of Kuwait Airways in the coming years and in line with its ambitious plan to expand its network around the world and provide the best, distinguished services to its passengers."

Al-Dukhan added, "This agreement is one of the largest agreements concluded between Kuwait Airways and Airbus, as our relationship with Airbus extends over four decades of successful and fruitful partnership, and we always strive to strengthen and develop it for the benefit and public interest of both parties. Airbus has greatly contributed to the development of the Kuwait Airways fleet, with its modern and diverse aircraft that has the best technological characteristics that keep pace with the latest and finest that the aviation world offers. In addition, we thank Seabury, the global consultant for its prominent role in the agreement."

Al-Dukhan said, "Through this agreement, Kuwait Airways was keen to select aircraft that is suitable for its future, and this came after careful studies of the feasibility of these economic aircraft, as this agreement will constitute an unprecedented qualitative leap in achieving the Companys desired goals and reaching profitability."

Al-Dukhan revealed that the agreement to restructure the Blue Bird's fleet of Airbus aircraft is as follows:

• Nine A32neo aircraft with a capacity of 134 seats.
• Six A321neo aircraft with a capacity of 169 seats.
• Three A321neo-LR aircraft with a capacity of 169 seats.
• Four A330-800neo aircraft with a capacity of 235 seats.
• Seven A330-900neo aircraft with a capacity of 291 seats.
• Two A350-900 aircraft with a capacity of 326 seats.

Thus, bringing the total number of Airbus aircraft in the Kuwait Airways fleet to 31 aircraft, in addition to the 10 Boeing B777 aircraft.

Al-Dukhan explained that the Airbus A330-900 was designed to provide the highest levels of efficiency in various sectors, especially as it offers the lowest cost per seat among its wide-body medium-sized aircraft, while allowing Kuwait Airways to achieve additional revenues, thanks to its ability to accommodate more than 50 additional passengers compared to the A330-800 aircraft that is currently in use. Furthermore, the A330-900 is almost 99% similar to the currently used A330-800.

Al-Dukhan added, "The A321neo has additional advantages that will achieve its goals in terms of profitability and sustainability, and the Company will also achieve significant savings in operating costs thanks to the commonalities between Airbus aircraft and its integrated models and flexibility in capacity. Today, the A321neo and A330neo have proven their ability to saving 30% in operational costs when they function together."

Al-Dukhan concluded his statement by saying: "We congratulate the honorable people of Kuwait for this agreement, which will be a successful step towards owning a fleet that matches the reputation of Kuwait Airways as the National Carrier of the State of Kuwait and reflects its honorable image throughout its long history of 67 years. We extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to Airbus for their cooperation and unremitting efforts in completing this agreement with complete flexibility, wishing them all success."