New low-cost airline will not be part of Emirates Group

The new low-cost carrier for Dubai announced on Tuesday will be a standalone operation, according to Emirates.

“Although the new airline will be initially supported by Emirates during the set-up period, it will not be part of the Emirates Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group, and Chairman of the new carrier, said on Wednesday.

“Emirates will assist in the formation of Dubai’s new airline up to its first flight. The Government of Dubai’s announcement to set up a new airline will result in the formation of a new company, that will operate a low-cost airline model with its own brand and identity,” he added.

According to Ghaith Al Ghaith, the chief executive of the new entity, Emirates will support the new airline with all that is required to start up. “And that could even mean financially. Emirates Group will help set it up, but will not run it,” he said.

“The carrier will primarily be flying to the routes that are not being currently served by Emirates. We would kick off with as many destinations as possible and as many aircraft.”

“Initially the airline will operate within the GCC and surrounding countries,” said Sheikh Ahmed.