Air Arabia to set up Sudanese subsidiary

Air Arabia Group has entered into a joint-venture with Sudanese conglomerate DAL Group to establish a new low-cost carrier in Sudan.

“We are confident that Air Arabia Sudan will add significant value to the air transport sector of Sudan and directly contribute to the growth of the local economy and the development of the travel and tourism sector,” Chairman Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani said.

The new carrier will be based out of Khartoum and will operate an undisclosed number of A320-200s. It will follow its sister carriers in operating aircraft in a single-class layout with a heavy emphasis on digital sales.

The companies said certification of the new carrier would begin “shortly”, while details concerning routes and fleet will “be communicated in due course”.

The JV will be Air Arabia’s seventh AOC (its third in North Africa). On top of the core Sharjah-based parent, the group is also a shareholder in Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, Air Arabia Maroc, Air Arabia Egypt, in Armenia’s FlyArna, and in the Pakistani carrier, Fly Jinnah.