UAE airline hopes to operate in India

Dubai, Nov 3 (UNI) RAK Airways, UAE's fourth national airline, hopes to conclude aviation accords with India for launching services by the first quarter of 2007.

The newest UAE airline, which will make its debut by flying to five Indian destinations, is also engaged in talks with several Indian carriers for an interline agreement.

CEO of RAK Investment Authority and Managing Director of RAK Airways Dr Khater Massaad said the airline is expected to secure regulatory approvals for flying into India by the first quarter of 2007.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, he said RAK Airways would not seek to be a low-cost carrier but will be a full service carrier.

"Our goal is to develop Ras Al Khaimah International Airport as a gateway to the Gulf," he said.

CEO of RAK Airways Jack Romero said a leased Boeing 757-200 in RAK Airways livery will be taken delivery on November 25, while the 737-300, bought for 8 million dollars, will join the budding fleet by end of November.

Initially, RAK Airways will operate weekly three flights to New Delhi and Mumbai and two weekly flights to Trivandrum, Cochin and Chennai.

Romeroa said the airline would spend around 1.6 billion dollars on new aircraft.He said the airline will be ready for launching operations by December, but will have to wait for necessary approval for the rights to operate to India.

"We are looking for a commercial partner and are negotiating with SpiceJet and Air Deccan for code-sharing agreement." He said the airline would also like to talk to Jet Airways and Indian on an interline agreement.

"We are scouting for an airline where we can share synergy in the commercial operations," he added.

Set up in February 2006 with an authorised capital of 1.5 billion dirham, RAK Airways raised an initial capital of 850 million dirham through private placements.

UNI XC SP ND1808