Air Arabia makes first MENA LCC move into Chinese market

Located in the Xinjiang district of China, Urumqi is a modern industrial city of 3.3 million people and a major transportation hub in the region. It has been described as the gateway to the vast region of Xinjiang, which offers some of the best bazaars, hiking, outdoor sports and natural beauty in the country, as well as being the location of large oil and natural gas reserves. 

“The Chinese aviation sector has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years and we are delighted to be the first low-cost carrier from the MENA region to play an important role in this incredible story,” said Adel A. Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia. “We have had our eye on the Chinese market for some time and are now ready to begin regular services to one of the world’s great economies. With a large population, strong economy and vibrant cultural scene, Urumqi represents an exciting first Chinese destination for us and we hope to add more routes over time. This is a major move for Air Arabia and an important step in strengthening connectivity between the rapidly growing economies of the Middle East and Asia.”  

Air Arabia will fly three times weekly to Urumqi from its main hub in Sharjah, UAE. Flights will depart Sharjah International Airport on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 09:35, arriving at Urumqi International Airport at 18:15 that evening. Return flights will leave Urumqi on the same days at 19:05 and arrive in Sharjah at 20:45.

The flight schedule will slightly change between March 29 and October 24, 2015 as flights will depart Sharjah International Airport at 09:05, arriving at Urumqi International Airport at 18:10. Meanwhile, return flights will leave Urumqi on the same days at 19:05 and arrive in Sharjah at 20:20.

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “Air Arabia's foray into the lucrative Chinese market with services to Urumqi will give them first mover advantage against other GCC competition.
 
“China is a huge market and with Urumqi one of the most economically vibrant cities, Air Arabia is using its past skills of new route exploration to further expand its operations outside of the traditional GCC market. While the start of flights to China will be a boon for customers, there is a good likelihood that other low cost Arabian carriers will emulate Air Arabia's move and provide greater competition.”
 
He added: “Equally, it will be interesting to see if any Chinese airlines reciprocate this move with flights from Urumqi to the UAE.”