Kuwait’s leading low-cost airline Jazeera Airways has kicked off its in-house ground handling operations in Jazeera Terminal 5 (T5) at Kuwait International Airport, thus marking a significant milestone in its ongoing transformation journey to strengthen operational efficiency, enhance customer experience and optimise costs.

The transition from outsourced to in-house ground handling represents a strategic step towards greater control over the airline’s end-to-end operations and customer journey, said a statement from Kuwaiti budget carrier. 

By bringing these critical services in-house, Jazeera Airways aims to improve aircraft turnaround times, strengthen operational reliability, enhance co-ordination and deliver a more seamless and consistent travel experience for passengers.

The first flight handled by Jazeera Airways’ ground handling team arrived from Madinah, Saudi Arabia, before departing for Lebanese capital Beirut, thus marking the successful launch of the airline’s self-managed ground handling services.

The move comes as Jazeera Airways enters a new phase of expansion, supported by its order of 26 Airbus aircraft, comprising 18 A320neo and eight A321neo aircraft. 

The airline recently welcomed the first A320neo from this order, with another aircraft expected to arrive before the end of the year.

According to Jazeera, the initiative will support the development of specialised aviation skills, strengthen workforce capabilities and create new employment opportunities in Kuwait. It also underscores Jazeera’s commitment to investing in the country’s aviation ecosystem in line with Kuwait Vision 2035.

This milestone builds on the Kuwaiti budget carrier's continued investment in developing its own operational capabilities, including aircraft maintenance and aviation training. 

With direct oversight of ground handling activities, the airline will be better positioned to co-ordinate ground operations with flight schedules, maintain consistent service standards, and respond swiftly to operational requirements.

On the key milestone, CEO Barathan Pasupathi said: "This year we celebrate 21 years of operations, and bringing ground handling in-house marks another important milestone in our journey towards becoming a more efficient, agile and self-reliant airline."

"Taking greater ownership of our operations and customer journey enables us to strengthen service quality, improve aircraft turnaround times, and drive long-term cost efficiencies. As we enter an exciting new phase of growth, expanding our fleet and network must go hand in hand with building the operational capabilities and infrastructure needed to support sustainable expansion," he stated.

"This investment reinforces our commitment to operational excellence, while creating opportunities to develop local aviation talent and contribute to Kuwait’s ambitions as a leading regional aviation hub," he added.-TradeArabia News Service