KUWAIT: ‘Al-Jahra’ Airbus A330-200 aircraft received at Kuwait International Airport. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) has received the 12th and last aircraft of the leasing contract with Airbus Company. A330-200 bears the name of 'Al-Jahra,' KAC Chairperson and Managing Director Rasha Al-Roumi said in statements quoted by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported yesterday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a delivery ceremony at Kuwait International Airport, she said that the KAC received all the planes in the leasing contract, notably seven A-320s and five A-330s.

By receiving the last airplane from the Airbus, the first stage of modernizing the KAC's fleet has been completed, she said, adding that as the second stage would be launched by 2016. Under the second stage, the Kuwait Airways will be given a total 10 Boeing 777s, with the first aircraft to be landing in Kuwait in November 2016. On a plan to launch flights to Egypt's Sharm El-Sheikh by mid-December, Roumi said the KAC has already discussed all security measures at Sharm El-Sheikh Airport.

In February 2014, Kuwait Airways announced the lease of 12 Airbus aircraft including seven A320neos and five A330-200s in addition to the purchase of 25 aircraft including 10 A350-900 and 15 A320neo Family aircraft marking the start of a major fleet renewal plan. In November 2014, Kuwait Airways agreed to purchase 10 Boeing 777-300s which it will start receiving in Nov 2016.

Partner companies

In other news, the Regional Business Center of Kuwait Airways in Dubai held its annual ceremony to honor top partner companies which contributed to the success of its center. The ceremony was held Saturday night under the auspices and in the presence of kuwait's Consulate General in Dubai and Northern States, Diab Al-Rishidi and a number of aviation officials in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates as well as officals of top world aviation companies.

Regional director of the center in Dubai, Abdullah Nashmi Al-Enezi said in his speech that the center held this annual ceremony to honor top KAC partners. He added that KAC, through its regional business center, provides a wide-range of engineering services, aircraft maintenance, consulting, training and workshops for KAC employees and customers in outstations.