By Abdulaziz Al-Mejren
KUWAIT, Feb 25 (KUNA) -- Since the liberation from the Iraqi invasion in 1991, the aviation sector in Kuwait had been an integral part of development plans in the country.
With the recent revamping of Kuwait Airways, the aviation sector has once again displayed immense commitment and willingness to partake in the country's ambition vision for a bright future.
Speaking on the subject, Kuwait Airways Chairperson and Managing Director Rasha A. Al-Roumi told KUNA that the airliner contributed about six percent to the Gross National Product (GNP), revealing that this percentage will increase in accordance with their five-year development plan launched last September.
Kuwait Airways plans are in line with the leadership vision for development, said Al-Roumi who indicated that the market value of the airways had reached 32 percent last year, leading to the increase of daily flights by 15 percent and other achievements.
Al-Roumi said that Kuwait Airways was eyeing 2019 and 2021 as the years when it will achieve maximum profits.
The Kuwaiti aviation sector must be a vital partner in Kuwait's development because it will be the main reason for people to travel to Kuwait and other destinations, said Al-Roumi.
She indicated that the airways was trying to lure passengers via updating its fleet especially with the recent purchase of up-to-date Boeing and Airbus aircrafts, part of a 10 carriers deal. Meanwhile, Jazeera Airways - Kuwait's second national airliner - had contributed to the development of the aviation sector in Kuwait since establishment in 2004.
The airways have managed to transport millions of air traveler to some 19 destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East since launching its first place in 2005.
In the same way, Wataniya Airways was the third national airliner that joined the sector in 2006; however, it suspended operations by 2011 due to turmoil in the region.
Head of the largest group, which owns shares in the airways, Dr. Hamad Al-Tuwaijri said that during its years' operation, Wataniya managed to contribute to the aviation sector via running flights to over 16 regional destination.
He revealed that the airways was planning to return to the scene strongly by mid-2017, vowing that the new incarnation of Wataniya will compete in bringing customers to its ranks. (end) aam.gta