Russia crash puts focus on new breed of airline
The fatal crash of a Boeing jetliner in southern Russian early Saturday puts the spotlight on a still relatively unknown breed of airline: the Middle East budget carrier. For years the region’s growth carriers such as Emirates Airline, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways have made a name for themselves placing huge orders for Airbus and Boeing long-haul jets. They have stolen customers from US and European rivals by offering lower fares and lavish services, including on-board showers and first-class suites. In their shadow, the Middle East has embraced another group of airlines, the discount carriers trying to imitate the success of Southwest Airlines in the US and Ryanair in Europe. FlyDubai was set up by the Dubai govt in 2008 to mirror the success Emirates Airline has had in long-haul flying in the low-cost segment. <br/>
https://portal.staralliance.com/imagelibrary/news/hot-topics/2016-03-21/unaligned/russia-crash-puts-focus-on-new-breed-of-airline
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Russia crash puts focus on new breed of airline
The fatal crash of a Boeing jetliner in southern Russian early Saturday puts the spotlight on a still relatively unknown breed of airline: the Middle East budget carrier. For years the region’s growth carriers such as Emirates Airline, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways have made a name for themselves placing huge orders for Airbus and Boeing long-haul jets. They have stolen customers from US and European rivals by offering lower fares and lavish services, including on-board showers and first-class suites. In their shadow, the Middle East has embraced another group of airlines, the discount carriers trying to imitate the success of Southwest Airlines in the US and Ryanair in Europe. FlyDubai was set up by the Dubai govt in 2008 to mirror the success Emirates Airline has had in long-haul flying in the low-cost segment. <br/>
