UAE – Mubasher: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, a joint venture between Etihad Airways and Air Arabia, has obtained its Air Operating Certificate (AOC), becoming the fifth UAE national operating airline.

To operate from Abu Dhabi, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has received the certificate after fulfilling all safety regulations necessary for aircraft operations and passing the inspections of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), according to a press release on Thursday.

Abu Dhabi's first low-cost carrier will cooperate with the GCAA to set the launch date following the improvement of market conditions and resumption of flights, which have been suspended due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The CEO of Etihad Aviation Group, Tony Douglas, said: "We are pushing ahead with our plans to resume normal flying and once we have, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will ideally serve those who wish to explore new destinations from the capital, meeting the growing demand for low-cost travel in the region and complementing Etihad’s own global network."

Meanwhile, the CEO of Air Arabia, Adel Al Ali, noted: "Air Arabia Abu Dhabi demonstrates the commitment of the UAE to invest in the aviation sector, and we are looking forward to the launch day, which will establish Abu Dhabi as another key hub in the region for low-cost travel.”