Saudi-Jordanian agreement opens new airline in Aqaba

AMMAN — The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and Fly Aqaba Company on Sunday signed a Saudi-Jordanian $20 million investment agreement to establish a private sector-owned airline called Fly Aqaba to be based in Aqaba.

ASEZA President Nayef Bakhit said that the company will operate flights to Amman, European, Gulf and other Arab countries with the name Fly Aqaba.

He noted that the company was officially registered at ASEZA as the first aviation investment, according to an ASEZA statement.

Bakhit pointed out that the company will start trips from King Hussein International Airport to its local, regional and international destinations, adding that this investment will boost tourism to Aqaba through connecting the coastal city with the world through competitive-priced airlines.

He stressed that Fly Aqaba will begin operations with two airplanes and help facilitate tourist access to the “Golden Triangle” (Aqaba, Petra and Wadi Rum) and to Jordan, in general.  

Nasser Aliani, general manager of the company, said that this "big" investment project was the result of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Jordan to serve the interests of both peoples and support the Jordanian economy.

Nidal Nuaimi, chairman of the board of directors of the company, said that the company will start operating its flights from King Hussein International Airportonce it receives the necessary licences from the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission.

The airline’s operations will begin with a limited number of flights during the first phase, he noted.

Commissioner for tourism and investments at ASEZA Sharhabeel Madi said that this Saudi investment in Jordan is evidence of the Kingdom's "distinguished" investment environment that offers several incentives.