Jazeera Airways takes off to London Gatwick
Kuwait’s airline becomes first LLC to operate route between GCC and UK
KUWAIT: Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading lowcost airline, operating regionally and internationally, yesterday took off in its first flight “J9 1” to London with its newest A320neo aircraft, becoming the first Low-Cost Carrier in the Middle East to fly to the United Kingdom. The flight also marks the first new service to the UK from Kuwait in 55 years. Jazeera Airways flights land at London Gatwick Airport South Terminal where access to the Gatwick Express train connects passengers directly to central London.
A press conference was held ahead of the takeoff at the Jazeera Terminal 5 at Kuwait International Airport and attended by Michael Davenport MBE, the British Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Marie Masdupuy, the French Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Stefan Mobs, Engineer Yousef Sulaiman AlFouzan, Director General of Kuwait’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Speaking at the conference were Michael Davenport MBE, Engineer Yousef Sulaiman AlFouzan, Director General of DGCA, and Jazeera Airways Chairman, Marwan Boodai. Michael Davenport MBE said: “We are proud of this new service made possible by the new Air Services Agreement signed last year between Britain and Kuwait. The launch coincides with our celebration to mark 120th anniversary of the Kuwaiti-British Treaty of Friendship.
“Britain and Kuwait are long-lasting partners, allies and friends, as we continue to broaden and deepen our relations in areas such as energy, education, healthcare and security. Trade and investment between our two countries are flourishing. The private sector in both countries have a big role to play in supporting these growing relations.
“More Kuwaitis are studying at British universities than ever before. More than 6,000 at the last count. Many of them receive visits from their friends and families in Kuwait. Britain is the most popular travel destination for residents of Kuwait. Britain, with its 28 UNESCO World Heritage sites and eight dedicated heritage cities, as well as 10 national parks, offers a vast array of places to explore. For many Kuwaitis, Britain’s cities are a second home - not only London, but Manchester, Cardiff, Milton Keynes, and Glasgow. Last year, we welcomed over 150,000 Kuwaiti in Britain. Attracted by Britain’s world-class luxury shopping, stunning countryside, unique cities and a vibrant calendar of cultural festivals and sporting events - not just premier league.
“The UK is also a founding nation of the Airbus consortium and one of the company’s four home markets. I am therefore honored to welcome here this morning my French and German colleagues. Building on a proud 100-year British aviation heritage, every wing on Airbus commercial aircraft is designed and manufactured in the UK.
“I congratulate Jazeera Airways on this landmark flight to London and welcome all passengers from Kuwait to Britain on board its new A320neo aircraft.”
Engineer Yousef Sulaiman Al-Fouzan said: “We are pleased to take part of the launch of the first Jazeera Airways flight to UK. We believe in the role of the private sector in supporting the aviation sector. Flights to London is the first of six other destinations planned by Jazeera Airways, and support the DGCA’s vision to increase air traffic to and from Kuwait International Airport. We wish more success to Kuwaiti airlines as the DGCA continues to provide its support to lift the position of the State of Kuwait in the aviation industry under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, his Crown Prince and the Government.”
Marwan Boodai: “We are proud to mark our expansion in 2019 with flights to London, served with our new A320neo aircraft. London Gatwick will be served with four flights a week and frequency will increase to daily flights in December. We also continue to expand with flights to new underserved or never served destinations from the Middle East, including destinations in Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, KSA, UAE and more. On behalf of our airline, I take this opportunity to thank the DGCA and our partners in Kuwait and abroad for their continued support.”
The new A320neo
The A320eno is a single-aisle aircraft that incorporates the CFM LEAP-1A engines and fuel-saving wingtip devices known as Sharklets. It offers savings in fuel burn, additional payload, increased range, lower operating costs and significant reduction in engine noise and CO2 emissions below the current industry standard. The new A320neo allows for an increased range to destinations that are located 5 to 6 hours away.
Cabin configuration
With the new configuration, flights to and from London will have a Business Class that offers passengers a 33-inch seat pitch, 50 kilograms in baggage allowance, priority boarding and a complimentary inflight hot meal. This is complemented with a Premium Economy Class that is exclusively available on the flight to and from London with 40 kilograms in baggage allowance, additional legroom with a 31-inch seat pitch, a middle seat that is kept free, dedicated check-in counters, priority boarding and a complimentary inflight hot meal, while the Economy Class offers a 29-inch seat pitch and a wide choice of meals from the Jazeera CafÈ menu.
Jazeera Terminal 5 at Kuwait International Airport T5 provides passengers with the ease and comfort of traveling with 12 check-in counters, eight selfcheck-in kiosks, dedicated passport and security control procedures, duty free shops and restaurants, as well as free WiFi internet service available for passengers when boarding at the T5 gates.