Air Arabia takes delivery of two Airbus A320 aircraft

The latest addition to the fleet brings the airline's total number of operating jets to 53

"We envisage growing the fleet to around 100 by 2025," Mr Ali told reporters on Sunday. Antonie Robertson / The National

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa's largest low-cost carrier, on Tuesday said it received delivery of two new Airbus A320 aircraft, bringing its fleet to a total of 53.

The new jets from Airbus, marks the completion of all deliveries scheduled for this year, Air Arabia said in a statement.

“The delivery of our last two aircraft for 2018 marks a significant step in the development of our fleet expansion strategy, especially as we added 12 new routes this year,” Air Arabia’s chief executive Adel Al Ali, said.

The new jets have gone straight into service across Air Arabia’s network of over 150 destination served through its hubs in the UAE, Morocco and Egypt, the no-fills carrier said.

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The Sharjah carrier, which last month said it as a $336 million (Dh1.23 billion) exposure to ailing private equity firm Abraaj Group through fund portfolios and short-term investments, will take delivery of first A321neo LR early next year.

Adding the A321 jets to its fleet will enable the airline to extend its fleet reach, allowing it to explore the possibility of entering new markets, it said.

The carrier reported a 5 per cent rise in net profit for the first quarter of 2018 on the back of strong demand and cost reduction. Its net profit attributable to owners of the company rose to Dh101.6m from the same period a year earlier.

The airline, last year, expanded its network, adding 21 new routes after it took delivery of four new aircraft in 2017.