Travco could launch no-frills carrier this year

"It's going to be a joint venture with another UAE-based budget airline and we will soon announce its launch," Osama Bushra, Chief Operating Officer of Travco, told Gulf News.

"Both parties are working on the details and we hope to launch it later this year."
An airline will help Travco, which runs three hotel chains, a fleet of cruise vessels, ground handling and a massive tour operation, to offer complete travel and tourism solutions to travellers and tourists.

Depending on the launch timing, this could be the seventh low-cost airline in the region which is still growing amid the global downturn.

Air Arabia's CEO Adel Ali earlier said his company was negotiating with a regional partner to launch a third hub, after Sharjah and Morocco.

The Sharjah-based airline has recently launched a new airline in Morocco with two Moroccan partners, a move that will help the Middle East's first budget carrier to penetrate North Africa and West Europe.

Such a strategic move could help airlines such as Air Arabia gain a solid foothold in Europe and strengthen their grip on northern African markets.

When contacted, an Air Arabia spokesperson said, "We have not yet finalised a third hub yet. As soon as it's finalised, we will announce it.

"This depends on the regulatory and government approval as well as bilateral traffic rights. It's too early to comment as nothing has been finalised so far. However, our intention is to launch it in the Levant region."