UAE’s RAK Airways to relaunch services on 10 October

Air Transport Intelligence

Ras Al Khaimah, 26 September 2010: Ras Al Khaimah’s latest attempt to establish its own airline will culminate with the commencement of flights in two weeks’ time.

 

The emirate will restart services with RAK Airways, under another new colour scheme, operating to the cities of Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia, and Kozhikode in India.

 

 

RAK Airways states that flights will begin on 10 October. Chief executive Omar Jahameh says that it will offer competitive fares - as low as Dhs10 ($2.70) - but insists that it is not a low-cost carrier.

 

The airline will offer complimentary catering, seat selection upon booking and a free shuttle service from the airport.

 

RAK Airways has shown off its new livery on one of its aircraft, a Boeing 737-400 formerly operated by carriers including Air Berlin.

 

Two years ago the carrier reached an agreement with Boeing to acquire up to six 737-800s, but this arrangement is not listed in the airframer’s current backlog records.

 

Ras Al Khaimah’s Government is trying to promote the region as a business and tourism destination in its own right and the creation of RAK Airways has accompanied economic reforms in the emirate.

 

But RAK Airways has had a shaky history since its initial formation through a decree in 2006. The carrier operated Boeing 757-200 aircraft to a range of destinations in Asia and the Middle East but suffered from organisational shortcomings in several areas, from its livery design to its route network, and underwent several changes of senior management.

 

RAK Airways finally suspended services last year but recently described the cessation of operations as a "hiatus", and indicated that it planned to relaunch as a full-service airline this year.