Jetsettersblog

Emirates Business Rewards, the airline’s loyalty program for small and medium enterprises (SME), will offer its customers double reward miles throughout March, highlighting the airlines commitment to supporting SMEs.

For every dollar spent on travel with Emirates and booked via Business Rewards in February and March, the company will be awarded four Business Reward miles, rather then the standard two.

These miles can be redeemed for free flights on Emirates services worldwide, including any of the four U.S. gateways –

New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Houston (IAH).

This offer is available to all new and existing Business Rewards members globally. SMEs remain one of the greatest contributors to the UAE’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with the UAE Ministry of Economy recently announcing it will be investing in the development of SMEs across the emirates this coming year.

For more information, visit the banner at right.

General Tours World Traveler is offering privately guided or small-group escorted sightseeing to Middle East destinations, including Egypt, Jordan and Israel.

In Egypt, the company now offers three unique Cruise & Tours. Priced from $2,099 per person, these Nile voyages range from eight to 11 days.

Luxury hotels include the Sofitel El Gezirah and the landmark Oberoi Mena House.

In addition to the newly renovated Sonesta Sun Goddess and the all-suites Star Goddess, General Tours also offers sailings aboard the luxurious Oberoi Zahra, recently featured in Architectural Digest.

With only 20 guests per departure, Ancient Pathways to Petra was designed to explore both the ancient and modern faces of Jordan.

A leisurely two-night stay just steps away from the Petra visitors’ entrance affords unhurried, intimate exploration of the legendary Lost City.

Guests also venture off the beaten path to explore rarely-visited sites of antiquity like Pella and the Biblical City of Gadara.

An off-road excursion in Wadi Rum explores the Bedouin culture of the south while an art gallery visit in Amman reveals the vibrant 21st century spirit of the country.

With privately guided sightseeing, Discover Israel & Jordan is an eight-day Affordable Luxury tour with similar immersive experiences.

The company’s signature on-tour flexibility is evident during the chauffeured private car journey from Jerusalem into Jordan when guests can specify their travel route to visit either Nazareth or the Mount of Beatitudes.

America’s growing fascination with Syria is evidenced in two recent New York Times articles in which Damascus was cited as one of “The 31 Places to Go in 2010” and an American Mideast expert was quoted saying,

“The pitch is go now, before the masses arrive.” Newly redesigned for a maximum of 10 guests, Ancient Syria & Baalbeck includes a four-night stay at the luxurious Four Seasons in Damascus and two nights in Aleppo, plenty of time to explore the city’s ancient sites and its bustling souk, described by Times writer Lionel Beehner as “the Arab world’s most impressive souk, a sprawling network of noisy corridors and cramped stalls where, for the past seven centuries, every kind of spice, sweet, soap, silk, dried fruit, carpet, metal, jewelry and water pipe imaginable has been sold.” General Tour’s Family & Friends program offers $50 to $150 per person savings when three or more guests travel together.

These savings can be combined with the company’s other offers — including World Traveler Club discounts and exclusive AARP Member Benefits. All of the company’s departures are guaranteed.

For more information, call 800-221-2216 or visit www.GeneralTours.com

flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, is all set for take off to the Indian sub-continent with the announcement of a trio of routes to the region.

flydubai will begin its Indian adventure with flights to the north eastern city of Lucknow on July 13. This will be closely followed by Coimbatore in the south of the country on July 14. The trio of destinations will be completed on July 23 when flights to the north western city of Chandigarh begin.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai said: “We are delighted to be able to announce our first three Indian destinations today. India is a very important market and we are looking forward to a long and successful future serving the needs of customers wishing to travel between the two countries.

“A lot of work has gone into making this announcement possible and I would like to thank the Indian authorities for all their assistance. There is a huge Indian expatriate population living in the UAE and an even larger number of people keen to travel to the region for both business and pleasure. flydubai is committed to making travel between Lucknow, Coimbatore, Chandigarh and the UAE a little less complex, a little less stressful and a little less expensive and we are confident this will help to stimulate more people to travel more often to these destinations.”

Lucknow, with a population of more than 5m, is the second largest city in north, east and central India, after Delhi. Popularly known as The City of Nawabs and the Golden City of the East, Lucknow is one of the top ten fastest growing cities in India.

FZ449 will depart Dubai for Lucknow on July 13 and will operate four times per week. Prices will start from AED425, including all taxes and one piece of hand baggage weighing up to 10kg.

The thrice-weekly Coimbatore service, FZ413, will take off from Dubai on July 14. Prices to Coimbatore also start from AED425.

Coimbatore is in the South of India, and with a population of around 1m, is the second largest city in Tamil Nadu. Situated on the banks of the Noyyal River, Coimbatore has an extensive textile industry and is among the top 17 global outsourcing cities.

flydubai’s third Indian destination, Chandigarh, also known as The Beautiful City, serves as the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana. With a population of around 1m, Chandigarh is the richest city in India with a per capita income of Rs 110,676 annually. Chandigarh is India’s first planned city and is internationally renowned for its architecture and planning.

FZ431 will become the first international flight to touch down at Chandigarh airport on July 23. Prices to Chandigarh start from AED350.

Bookings can be made from today on www.flydubai.com, by calling the flydubai call centre (04 301 0800) or through one of our travel partners.

The flydubai model is simple, with customers paying only for the services they want to receive. The ticket price includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage, weighing up to 10kg, per passenger.

Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at just AED40 for the first piece and AED100 for the second, weighing up to 32kgs, subject to availability. Checked baggage at the airport is also strictly subject to availability and passengers are advised to book online early to secure the space, as only pre-purchased baggage can be guaranteed.

A nominal payment of AED5 allows customers to select their seat and just AED50 secures the extra legroom positions. Bookings can be changed for a small fee, plus any difference in the fare, and food and drink can be purchased on board.

flydubai operates from a modernised and enhanced Terminal 2 on the north side of Dubai International Airport.

As Sofitel prepares to open the new 438-room Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach this summer, the French-based company proudly announces five additional properties that will strengthen the brand’s worldwide portfolio.

In the Unit-ed Arab Emirates, the brand is developing the Sofitel Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road and the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Capital Plaza. In China, three new contracts have been signed in the country’s eastern and southeastern regions. These five new Sofitel properties are already under construction and scheduled to begin opening at the end of 2010.

These openings will bring a total of 2,000 additional rooms to the hotel’s prestigious pres-ence in these regions.

“The signing of these five contracts is a significant stage in Sofitel’s development across these two regions of the world,” said Robert Gaymer-Jones, COO Sofitel Worldwide. “It is evidence of our dynamic growth despite the current economic situation and of the appeal of the brand’s new positioning to investors.”

- In the United Arab Emirates:
Sofitel Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road is located on the city’s main thoroughfare with a view of the Burj Dubai Tower, just a short walk from the Dubai Mall shopping center.

The hotel boasts 435 guestrooms and suites, 147 apartments with services and various facilities in-cluding restaurants, bars, a fitness club and large sauna, two pools, a ballroom and several meeting rooms.

Comprehensive facilities for business meetings and close proximity to the Dubai International Financial Center and the Dubai World Trade Center will position the ho-tel as a prime option for the MICE market (meetings, incentives, conferences, events). The hotel is scheduled to open by 2012.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Capital Plaza is currently under construction and will welcome guests in 2010 to a beautifully refurbished building. It will feature 233 guestrooms and 47 suites, a fit-ness club and sauna, a pool, restaurants, bars, several meeting rooms and the “Millesime Club” executive lounge on the top two floors with sea views. The hotel is located at the tip of the main island of Abu Dhabi, on the Corniche – one of the oldest districts and a major at-traction in the city.

The hotel will appeal to leisure travelers for its sea views and exceptional character, and business executives for the neighboring central business district.

Sofitel is continuing development in the region, with five other hotels currently under con-struction: the Sofitel Karachi Clifton in Pakistan, the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Beach Resort in Bahrain and the Sofitel Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia. In September 2009, the Sofitel Dubai Ju-meirah Beach and the future Sofitel Dubai Palm Jumeirah Resort & Spa will open in Dubai.

- In China: 3 new properties will join the 22 existing hotels.
Sofitel Qingdao (Eastern China)

Located close to Jinan next to the city’s business district, the Sofitel Qingdao will provide 231 guestrooms and suites decorated by Leo Design Bangkok, a fitness club (So Fit), a spa (So Spa), an indoor pool, an outdoor pool on the beach and shops. For business, the hotel will feature adaptable space, a ballroom, several meeting rooms, a business center and a convention center close to the beach.
Sofitel Dongguan (Southern China)

The Sofitel Dongguan West is located in the business district of Huanghe, not far from Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The hotel’s dining facilities will include the Lobby lounge, a tea room, a Chinese restaurant, a Japanese restaurant and a Western restaurant. The hotel will offer 443 guestrooms including 85 suites, a ballroom, several meeting rooms, a business center, a fitness club (So Fit), spa, indoor pool and shops.
Sofitel Guangzhou (Southern China)

Between Macau and Hong Kong, the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich will be strategically located at the heart of Tianhe, the busiest central business district in Guangzhou.

With 496 rooms including 46 suites, the hotel will provide a variety of adaptable space, a ballroom, several meeting rooms and a business center. Leisure travelers will be pampered with a fitness club (So Fit), spa (So Spa), indoor pool, beauty parlor, game-room and pool-room.

IsramWorld is launching “Shore Excursions by IsramWorld,” a new series of custom private-car itineraries for cruise passengers.

The private-car shore excursions and upscale pre- and post-cruise programs will be available on five continents in such destinations as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Greece, Italy, Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Central Europe, China, Thailand and many more ports of call. Shore Excursions by IsramWorld are set apart from other pre- and post-cruise programs by the emphasis the travel experts place on avoiding crowds and focusing on local culture and areas of particular interest to each individual client, whether it is art, history, shopping or cuisine.

“We are very proud of our new customizable shore programs, which are perfect for individual and group clients alike, and are fully commissionable to our partners in the travel agent community,” says A. Ady Gelber, president and CEO of IsramWorld.

“We remain fully committed to staying with agents every step of the way.”

For more information,

call 800-223-7460

or visit www.isramworld.com

Qatar Executive

Qatar Airways has announced the setting up of a corporate jet subsidiary – Qatar Executive – as part of the airline’s ongoing robust global growth strategy and continued commitment to the Middle East business travel community.

Two new Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft, due to be delivered later this month, will be able to fly non-stop up to 4,000 nautical miles reaching destinations throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. Based at Qatar Airways’ hub at Doha International Airport, they will join a recently-delivered Bombardier Challenger 300 aircraft.

Ted Button, a veteran of the aviation industry with more than 25 years experience will be Senior Vice-President of the new corporate jet subsidiary, Qatar Executive.

The latest move continues to demonstrate Qatar Airways’ robust growth – continued investment in aircraft and infrastructure with more than US$40 billion worth of planes currently on order and over US$15 billion being injected in building a new international airport in Doha and upgrading the existing airport.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the creation of Qatar Executive demonstrated the airline’s commitment to meet the needs of a premium market segment looking for more flexibility as well as value for money.

“Despite the current global economic climate, there remains a strong need for the corporate to conduct face to face business meetings in the shortest possible time so travel is still important as is time management,” he said, speaking on the second day of the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget.

“Whether flying from Doha to Bahrain for a breakfast meeting and back, or continuing onwards to Dubai for lunch and further to Abu Dhabi for an early evening meeting before returning to Doha in time for dinner, the corporate jet makes all this possible with a hassle-free experience.”

Added Al Baker: “With an initial fleet of three corporate jets, Qatar Executive will enable the corporate traveller to book an aircraft in little as four hours before departure and check-in 10 minutes prior to take-off. The personal onboard attention, comfort, fine dining and speed at which the aircraft flies ensure the experience is both rewarding and memorable.”

“The aircraft have a capability of flying up to nine hours to different continents as far as Europe, Africa and Asia. We intend to build the fleet over time to provide even more choice to corporates.”

Statistics from the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) show that the corporate market in the Middle East has grown at an average of 13 per cent a year since 2000. Nine years ago, there were 200 corporate jets based in the Middle East, more than doubling in size to 450 in 2008 with estimates of further growth over the next few years.

According to CAPA, the corporate jet market in the Middle East is estimated to be worth between US$500 million and US$700 million a year.

Individual wealth within the Gulf region is expected to grow by over 50 per cent during the 2008 – 2012 period, up from US$2.1 trillion to around US$3.8 trillion, according to statistics provided by international management consultancy Oliver Wyman.

“Forecast growth in the Middle East corporate market is expected to be between 15 and 20 per cent until 2012, so there is a clear opportunity for Qatar Airways to capitalise on this trend, hence the creation of our new business unit, Qatar Executive,” said Al Baker.

The Bombardier Challenger 300 and 605 aircraft feature eight and 11 leather seats respectively, which recline into fully berthable sleeping compartments. The interiors have premium fittings with plenty of space for meetings. Qatar Executive customers will use the VIP Terminal for departures and arrivals at Doha International Airport.

Ted Button, takes charge of the new subsidiary, which will begin operating with an initial fleet of three Bombardier corporate jets next month, based in Doha, capital of the State of Qatar.

Button joins the company from New Jersey-based ProFlite, an aircraft charter and management company, where he was President and Director of Operations from 2006 until recently.

“We know that the Middle East is underserved in the corporate aircraft segment, but by utilising the Five Star service of Qatar Airways as a model to build a new corporate jet venture is, we believe, the right way forward to capitalise on this key market,” said Button, Qatar Executive’s Senior Vice-President.

Qatar Executive has also launched a website www.qatarexec.com where prospective customers can make enquiries.

News of the corporate jet subsidiary followed the Paris Air Show announcement by Qatar Airways that it had placed orders for twenty Airbus A320s, as well as the firming up of four A321 aircraft.

Added Al Baker: “Our latest aircraft orders demonstrate Qatar Airways’ strong commitment towards a continuing, aggressive expansion strategy. Despite the current shifting economic climate hanging over many economies around the world, Qatar Airways has foresight with long-term objectives and planning which means continuing our growth strategy with vigour.”

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 68 Airbus and Boeing aircraft to 82 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America.

Over the next nine months, Qatar Airways will add six new routes to its burgeoning network – Amritsar (October 11) and Goa (October 25) in India; Sydney and Melbourne in Australia marking its first foray Down Under; and two further cities in Europe.

The airline’s fleet will increase to more than 110 planes by 2013 and destinations served are set to rise from 82 to over 120 in the next five years. Long-term, the airline has placed orders for more than 200 aircraft worth over US$40 billion.

A new transit facility at Doha International Airport is due to open shortly at the eastern apron for passengers with less than 60-minute flight connections. At present, all passengers use the main terminal for arrivals, transfers and departures, which limits the time available for travellers who have tight connections.

The number of parking bays at the eastern apron has increased to 16, while the main apron has seen the number of parking bays rise from 16 to 23.

In addition, Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal, for exclusive use by its First and Business Class passengers, has more than 80 per cent extra seating space following the opening of an extension to the dedicated Business Class section.

Expansion of the first floor Business Class lounge sees the current capacity of 320 seats increase by 250 – or 80 per cent – together with more shower rooms, buffet and dining areas. Duty free space has been almost doubled to cater for a wider range of high-end premium products ranging from fragrances and cosmetics to electronics and clothing.

Qatar Airways has announced the global roll-out of its corporate travel rewards programme for small and medium-sized businesses following successful trials in the airline’s home market of Qatar.

Named Qbiz, the rewards programme makes it easier for companies with limited travel budgets to maximise their savings when travelling with Qatar Airways.

The programme allows companies and employees to accumulate Qmiles through the airline’s Privilege Club loyalty programme and both the individual and the company to accumulate Qmiles for any given flight. The accumulated miles can be used to redeem free flights and secure upgrades on Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said that the airline aimed to support small and medium-sized companies through Qbiz as part of its corporate social responsibility programme. He emphasised that the scheme was a win-win situation for all, as business trips would be twice as rewarding.

“While Privilege Club members travelling on business will continue to earn Qmiles and membership status in their own accounts, their companies will also be able to earn Qmiles for the same trip and redeem them on subsequent Qatar Airways flights,” said Al Baker.

“Qbiz is an exciting corporate rewards travel programme developed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses to help them manage their budgets more cost effectively.”

“Qatar Airways understands that many businesses require their staff to travel regularly. The Qbiz offering aids local businesses indeed around the world by providing real incentives to travel on a single airline,” added Al Baker.

“The pilot programme proved very successful in Qatar and we are excited to be able to roll-out Qbiz worldwide. It will add significant value to local companies’ travel bookings.”

Businesses looking to join Qbiz can do so online on Qatar Airways’ website www.qatarairways.com/qbiz

Once enrolled, companies receive a personalised Qbiz account number and a Qbiz code, which they can use to accumulate miles when making bookings. Every dollar spent on Qatar Airways flights will earn the company Qmiles. The individual traveller is also entitled to collect Qmiles on the same booking when checking- in for their flights.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 68 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to 82 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America.

Air Arabia, the first and largest low cost carrier in the Middle East, and Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the largest Islamic bank in UAE, announced today (4 July) the launch of a new ticket payment method for Air Arabia customers via DIB’s electronic banking channel.

Easy payments for Air Arabia tickets can now be made from the comfort of one’s home anywhere in the world through DIB’s Al Islami online banking services.

Earlier this year, Air Arabia and DIB, signed an agreement to provide a fast and convenient ticket payment facility for Air Arabia customers. DIB is currently in the process of enabling Air Arabia payments through the bank’s e-channel network, including mobile banking, phone banking, Cash Deposit Machines (CDM), and Automated Teller Machines (ATM).

Ali Al Hamdany, Director of IT and Corporate Projects, Air Arabia, said: “We are delighted to announce the new service. This step further enhances the ease and convenience we offer to our customers seeking to travel to the 46 destinations we serve worldwide.

In a highly competitive market, excellence in service, innovation and outstanding customer service play a significant role for a fast-growing airline like Air Arabia. This new payment service in conjunction with DIB will enable our customers to choose from a range of destinations and holiday packages from the comfort of their homes.”

Musabbah Al Qaizi Head of Electronic Banking, DIB, said: “DIB’s strengthened partnership with Air Arabia is a testament to our commitment to provide value-added services for our customers. Air Arabia and DIB customers can now make their Air Arabia tickets payment through Al Islami online banking,. DIB’s partnership network is growing steadily and now includes alliances with numerous reputed companies and service providers. DIB continues to assess opportunities and add more electronic services, demonstrating our commitment to provide our client with unmatched services.”

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 16 new Airbus A320 aircraft, serving 46 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and Central Asia through its main hub in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Air Arabia recently started operations from its second hub at Mohamed V Airport, Casablanca, Morocco, through the launch of Air Arabia Maroc, a joint venture company and Morocco’s newest low-cost airline. Air Arabia Maroc offers service to a wide range of European and African destinations.

Air Arabia is an award-winning airline that focuses on offering comfort, reliability and value-for-money air travel. For further information, please visit: www.airarabia.com

About Dubai Islamic Bank: Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), established in 1975, is the first Islamic bank to have incorporated the principles of Islam in all its practices and is the largest Islamic bank in the UAE. DIB is a public joint stock company, and its shares are listed on the Dubai Financial Market. The bank enjoys a reputation as a leader and innovator in maintaining the quality, flexibility and accessibility of its products and services.

The bank currently operates 57 branches in the UAE. As part of its expansion plans announced in early 2009 and in line with its aim to ensure customer satisfaction through accessibility, DIB will increase its nationwide network to 64 branches by the end of this year. In addition to regular, full-service branches, DIB is also planning to launch Express Banking Centres, which will provide fast, efficient services to DIB customers at various convenient locations like shopping malls, hypermarkets and megastores

By the end of 2009, DIB forecasts that the bank’s total customer base will increase by approximately 15 per cent, reaching some 900,000 customers, while its retail assets business will grow by approximately 20 per cent.

DIB has been proactive in creating partnerships and alliances at both the local and international level. The bank has established DIB Pakistan Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary. DIB has also opened its first representative office in Turkey to enhance its access to that market. DIB has also acquired a stake in Al Khartoum Bank and in Emirates and Sudan Bank, as well as contributing to the launch of Jordan Dubai Islamic Bank.

DIB has won the respect of its peers around the world for many years, and its leading position has been reaffirmed by the 34 awards that it has won in 2008 across diversified areas within banking, be it retail, corporate or investment banking. The bank was recently named “Best Islamic Bank” for the 4th consecutive year by Banker Middle East magazine. DIB has also received many awards from international organisations, such as the prestigious “Bank of the Year” award from The Banker (Financial Times), along with prestigious accolades from UK based Euromoney and NY based Global Finance magazines.

flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, added Aleppo to its list of operational destinations this morning when its inaugural flight touched down in Syria’s second largest city.

Flight FZ223 took off from Dubai International Airport at 0800hrs and landed at Aleppo International Airport at 1030hrs local time, after a three and a half hour journey. The return flight, FZ224, left 45 minutes later at 1115hrs. Aleppo is flydubai’s fifth operational destination since the company launched its services just six weeks ago. It already flies to Beirut, Amman, Damascus and Alexandria.

Syria is the first country to have two flydubai routes, with Aleppo catering to passengers in the north and Damascus to those in the south. Aleppo’s inclusion means flydubai now flies to the four largest cities in the Levant region.

One way fares to Aleppo from Dubai cost from AED300 and can be purchased from the website (www.flydubai.com ),

call centre (04 301 0800) and travel partners.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, who waved the inaugural flight off from Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 2, said the UAE and Syria were long-term friends with long-term goals.

“This is a great opportunity for people in both cities to travel to each other’s countries more regularly. Our aim is always to bring people together more often and to make their journeys a little less complicated, a little less stressful and a little less expensive.

“Aleppo is a magical place with a rich history and a fascinating culture, while Dubai is a new and exciting destination.

“Whatever the reason to get together, this new route will make it easier. It will be especially important for the large numbers of Syrians in Dubai, as it will make a trip home more accessible and more affordable.

” It also gives the four million plus people living in Aleppo the chance to explore what Dubai and the UAE has to offer,” said Mr Al Ghaith.

H.E. Majd Eldine Nashed, General Consul of the Syrian Arab Republic in Dubai and the Northern Emirates welcomed this important step and said: “I salute flydubai’s inaugural flight to Aleppo. This flight signifies the development of the brotherly relationship between the Arab Republic of Syria and the United Arab Emirates.”

The Aleppo flights are being served by flydubai’s third Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, and will operate on a daily basis to accommodate the busy summer period. From August 31, the flights will be four times per week.

The flydubai model is simple, with customers paying only for the services they want to receive. The ticket price includes all taxes and one piece of hand baggage, weighing up to 10kg, per passenger.

Passengers have the option to purchase checked-in baggage in advance at just AED40 for the first piece and AED100 for the second, weighing up to 32kgs, subject to availability.

Checked baggage at the airport is also strictly subject to availability and passengers are advised to book online early to secure the space, as only pre-purchased baggage can be guaranteed.

A nominal payment of AED5 allows customers to select their seat and just AED50 secures the extra legroom positions. Bookings can be changed for a small fee, plus any difference in the fare, and food and drink can be purchased on board.

flydubai operates from a modernised and enhanced Terminal 2 on the north side of Dubai International Airport.

KUALA LUMPUR -Budget airline AirAsia X has raised the possibility of establishing a new hub in the Middle East, enabling its network to extend to north Africa and Europe.

The Age reports that AirAsia X’s CEO Azran Osman-Rani said a location had already been chosen in a Gulf state but that it would not be disclosed for several weeks.

“This will open up completely new markets, and we won’t always have to have the planes based in Kuala Lumpur, which limits us to an eight-hour radius,” Azran told reporters.

“There will be many in the aviation industry who think this is crazy because the traditional low-cost model is to do only point-to-point flights… to keep it simple,” he said.

Azran said AirAsia X would hire existing services for cargo, catering and maintenance.

Initially, the carrier will operate flights from Kuala Lumpur to the Middle East hub, before branching out next year by using it to jump to destinations that could include Morocco, Turkey, Spain or the Czech Republic.

Azran said the plan was also triggered by potential problems accommodating new aircraft, amid doubts that Malaysia’s airports authority will complete a new low-cost carrier terminal in Kuala Lumpur by 2011 as scheduled.

“It will relieve the pressure of having all our planes in Kuala Lumpur, especially if the new airport is not finished and we do not have enough parking bays,” he said.