RAK Airways UAE’s fourth national carrier announced its first aircraft order of four new generation Boeing 737 – 800 NG with purchase rights for two additional airplanes. The carrier is the first in the UAE to buy the Boeing 737 -800 NG - a short-to-medium-range airplane. The deal is worth AED 1.65 Billion.

The signing ceremony to announce the deal was held at the Al Hamra Fort Hotel, Ras Al Khaimah and was hosted by H.H. Sheikh Omar Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, RAK Airway’s Chairman, Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Chairman, Rak Airways and Martin Bentrott, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Middle East and Africa Sales.

“RAK Airways believes in providing premium service to its customers, in line with our strategy to enhance customer services by adding new destinations, increased frequency and new generation aircrafts. We are extremely proud to announce our deal with Boeing and are extremely positive that 737 NG is the best choice for the long-term success of the airline,” said Sheikh Omer Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman, RAK Airways.

Commenting on the deal, Martin Bentrott, Vice President of Middle East and Africa Sales said, “We congratulate RAK Airways on a successful launch and know the airline has selected the best airplane for its mission to support growth in Ras al Khaimah. The 737 is a proven performer and adds value to airliners through its reliability, efficiency and lower operating and maintenance costs.

“We are committed at the success of RAK Airways and we are extremely proud to have come a long way in the last three months. RAK Airways hopes to fly to India by April this year along with destinations in Nepal, Chittagong in Bangladesh and Beirut. We currently offer services to Dhaka and Colombo added,” said Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Chairman, RAK Airways.

He further added “We plan to adopt a hub and spoke network strategy by attracting passengers from other countries to Ras Al Khaimah and then flying them to onward destinations. We are looking to venture into new markets in East Africa, Middle East, Gulf and South Asia. ”

RAK Airways, a full service airline was launched in November 2007, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

The airline plans to undertake a phased network expansion over the next two years, and aims to cover about 20 destinations within the region and neighbouring countries.