Saudi Airline Flynas Targets UK And South-East Asia

Flynas’ new international network will concentrate on the UK and South-East Asia with flights earmarked for London Gatwick and Manchester, and Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.

The fledgling routes, which also include Paris and Casablanca, are due to start from April.

The one-time, short-haul carrier is spreading its wings by flying long-haul and introducing a 12-seat business class with flatbed seats and 60-inch pitch.

Speaking at the Dubai Airshow, CEO Raja Azmi said it plans to fly leased Airbus A330s on the routes and will operate a low-cost model. Initially the strategy will be on connecting religious travellers but extend to corporates.

Business class passengers will have lounge access and fast track services, free ‘Comfort Pack’, inflight and individual iPad entertainment, newspapers, generous luggage allowance (two pieces x 30kg) and flexible flight booking and rescheduling options.

Economy Class passengers will have 32-inch seat pitch, in-flight entertainment and must buy meals (with the ability to pre-order preferred meal options) and 30kg baggage allowance.

Ajmi said it aims to become “a truly global carrier” and carry 20 million passengers yearly by 2020.