Middle East entrepreneurs are putting together a comprehensive business plan for a new carrier, known as ArabJet, which aims to operate all-business scheduled premium services on short-haul routes in the intra-Gulf region.
ArabJet says it has initiated discussions with Boeing with a view to obtaining either corporate-configured Boeing 737 or Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) aircraft and is also intending to study equivalent offerings from Airbus.
The carrier aims to develop as a hybrid, says chief executive Mohammad El Shanti: "It is a new business model bringing the cost savings from low-cost carriers, but offering premium services found in business class."
El Shanti says the airline has backing from "a number of private investors" and could be ready to operate its first flights late next year.
Various possible bases are being studied, says the carrier, with Dubai, Doha or locations in Saudi Arabia under consideration - but it is yet to disclose precise routes for its proposed services. The carrier would outsource much of its operation, including maintenance and information technology, and use cost-saving initiatives such as internet-based booking.
DAVID KAMINSKI-MORROW / LONDON
Source: Flight International