Passengers of Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, can now select their choice of seat upon making a flight reservation. This new service, aimed at giving passengers greater choice, comes in the wake of this month’s earlier announcement of an early check-in procedure.

Air Arabia passengers can take advantage of the new seat selection service through all the available booking channels including websites, call centre, travel agencies and sales shops. The new service will be available for a nominal fee starting at AED 5.

Announcing the launch of this service AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia, said: “Enabling customers to select their seats and take advantage of our early check-in procedure is in line with our continued commitment to offer more choices and added convenience. All our passengers will benefit from this service, as it will make the boarding of our flights more efficient than ever.”

Recently, Air Arabia crossed the 10 million passengers mark. In the first half of 2008, Air Arabia carried more than 1.6 million passengers, an increase of 33 per cent compared to 1.2 million passengers in the corresponding period last year.

The company purchased three aircraft during the first half of this year and increased frequencies to its existing destinations, providing customers with the region’s best flight connectivity. The Sharjah-based carrier also introduced four new destinations in the first six months of this year, including Kozhikode, India; New Delhi, India; Shiraz, Iran; and Dhaka, Bangladesh. This increased Air Arabia’s total network to 41 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Central Asia.

“As we continue to focus on maximising efficiency and minimising costs, we hope to provide greater value to our customers both in terms of fares and services,” added Nizar.

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About Air Arabia

Air Arabia (PJSC), listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is the Middle East and North Africa’s leading low-cost carrier (LCC). Air Arabia commenced operations in October 2003 and currently operates a fleet of 15 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 41 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Central Asia through itsmain hub in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Air Arabia is modeled after leading American and European low-cost airlines, and its business model is customised to accommodate local preferences. Its main focus is to make air travel more convenient through Internet bookings and offering the lowest fares in the market along with the highest levels of safety and service standards. For further information, please visit: www.airarabia.com