Saudi budget airline nasair is celebrating the first anniversary of its operations to Kozhikode in the south Indian state of Kerala from Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

The airline owned by private aviation group, National Air Services (NAS Holding) entered the low cost carrier market with a strong expansion strategy for India by operating four flights between Saudi and Kozhikode airport.

"At nasair we believe that one of the markers of success is serving our customers with efficiency, intelligence and warmth, that's how we have become the smart choice for customers on our network," said nasair Deputy CCO, Turki Al Jawini.

"We also know that tapping into new markets and growing destinations is the best way for us to service our people and India is one of the critical destinations we hope to continue to invest in," he noted.

The Saudi carrier which began operations in 2007 has grown exponentially, transporting more than five million customers, he added.

"It is also a pioneering 'Smart Choice', serving customers with over 450 weekly flights," Al Jawini added.

Nasair fleet consists of 15 aircraft covering 27 destinations both within and outside Saudi. Priced competitively, the fleet is considered the youngest in the region with Airbus A320s and Embrear E190s.-TradeArabia News Service