A “definitive agreement” has been confirmed to enable Wizz Air to create a budget airline offshoot in the UAE.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is now set to start flying from the UAE’s capital in the autumn.
The eastern and central European low-cost carrier is working with the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company to jointly establish the airline at Abu Dhabi international airport.
The new carrier will focus on establishing routes to markets in which Wizz Air has existing, high growth operations, namely central and eastern and western Europe.
The start-up airline’s development team has started the process of obtaining the carrier’s air operating certificate and operating licence with the UAE civil aviation authority.
The recruitment of staff is due to begin in the coming months as the new airline looks to create job opportunities, boost the economy and attract more visitors to Abu Dhabi.
Wizz Air chief executive Jozsef Varadi said: “Today marks an important milestone on the way to establishing our new airline in Abu Dhabi.
“The joint venture agreement with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company to form Wizz Air Abu Dhabi underpins our long-term dedication to bringing an economically and operationally highly efficient as well as environmentally most sustainable airline business model to boost Abu Dhabi’s aviation development.
“Wizz Air’s mission feeds into Abu Dhabi’s diversified economic strategy as we aim to stimulate traffic by creating demand to the benefit of growing Abu Dhabi’s touristic and economic diversity.
“We look forward to welcoming passengers on board our young, green and ultra-efficient fleet.”
ADDH chief executive Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi added: “Tourism is a high priority in Abu Dhabi’s growth strategy.
“Significant investment is going not only into our airports but also the tourist infrastructure, including hotels, resorts and cultural attractions.
“Last year the emirate achieved a record high of 11.35 million visitors and a key driver for this is the connectivity that enables people to visit Abu Dhabi easily and affordably.
“Our partnerships with Wizz Air and others will help elevate the UAE’s capital as a highly competitive regional and international destination for leisure and business travellers alike.”