Boeing close to obtaining an order from Kuwait Airways

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “Kuwait Airways' planned purchase of 777-300ERs comes at a time when its neighbouring Arabian competitors are inducting this and other new generation jets like the 787 at a fast pace. Despite ordering ten Airbus A350-900s, these won't be delivered until the end of the decade and in order for Kuwait Airways to become a bigger regional and international player, selecting the 777-300ER, thanks to its robust economics and earlier availability, will be instrumental in turning the loss making airline around. 

“The big challenge for Kuwait Airways, if it does procure the 777-300ER as planned, then they'll need to recruit a significant number of pilots. As of now, pilots are flocking to Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways to join the ranks of their growing 777 fleets.” 

Ahmad added: “It's going to be tough for Kuwait Airways no matter what it does, but at least now they are making an effort to change their business to emulate what their GCC peers have done and in a highly successful manner.”