Sharjah-based Air Arabia has won two of the top prizes at the Aviation Business Awards 2015, taking home the titles of “Low Cost Airline of the Year” and “Airline of the Year - Middle East.”

The airline was recognised for a number of milestones over the past 12 months, including expanding its route network to more than 115 destinations, increasing its total fleet size to 42 new Airbus A320 aircraft, and opening a fifth international hub in Amman, Jordan.

Air Arabia also achieved two industry firsts in 2015. In February, it became the first low-cost airline from the Middle East and Africa to enter the Chinese market, with the launch of regular non-stop services to Urumqi, the largest city in Western China. This was followed in March by the introduction of “Airewards,” the first ever Low Cost Carrier rewards programme in the Mena region.

Adel A Ali, Group chief executive officer of Air Arabia, said: “2015 has been a year of significant expansion and real innovation for Air Arabia. Every new initiative over the last 12 months has been launched squarely with the objective of offering more value, flexibility and convenience to our customers. We have been delighted by their response, which is helping the airline to reach new heights in 2015.”

The ninth edition of the Aviation Business Awards was held at the Park Hyatt hotel in Dubai, UAE. Awards were bestowed in 15 categories with winners chosen by an independent jury of senior aviation industry leaders. – TradeArabia News Service