Pakistani businessman to launch low-cost carrier from UAE

MMA Airlines will fly from Ras Al Khaimah to Lahore and Karachi from May.

DUBAI: A Pakistani businessman from Abbottabad, Malek Naureed Awan, is set to launch an international low cost airline from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with its maiden flights scheduled in May, the Gulf News reported.

According to the report, MMA Airline received its Air Operator's Certificate (from the General Civil Aviation Authority) on March 14.

An air operator's certificate (AOC) is an approval granted by a national aviation authority to an aircraft operator to allow it to use aircraft for commercial purposes. This requires the operator to have personnel, assets and systems in place to ensure the safety of its employees and the general public.

Awan has invested $50 million in the venture and will commence flights from the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, where it has been registered.

"We have already acquired two Airbus A320s to start flights. Two Boeing 777-300s are expected to join the fleet when we plan to add more destinations, such as Mumbai after traffic rights are granted," the 26-year old businessman Awan told Gulf News.

This will be the first privately owned, and operated commercial airliner from the UAE.

Awan says he plans to offer flights from Ras Al Khaimah to Karachi and Lahore.