Kuwait Airways receives second A321neo aircraft from Airbus
Carrier strengthens fleet with advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft
KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways announced on Thursday the arrival of its second Airbus A321neo aircraft, as part of a deal that includes a total of nine aircraft of the same model. The new delivery marks a significant step in the airline's ongoing efforts to enhance operational capacity and elevate service standards. Chairman of the Board of Directors Abdulmohsen Al-Faqan said in a press statement that the addition of the new aircraft will support the airline's operational growth and contribute to improved passenger experiences. 'The A321neo features cutting-edge technology and a modern entertainment system, providing travelers with a more comfortable and enjoyable journey,' he noted.
Business class seats on Kuwait Airways' new Airbus A321neo aircraft. – KUNA photos
Economy class seats on Kuwait Airways' new Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Al-Faqan emphasized that the acquisition is part of a broader phase aimed at advancing the company's distinguished onboard services and reinforcing its status as a prominent regional and international airline. He reiterated Kuwait Airways' commitment to adopting the latest advancements in commercial aviation in line with global standards, with a focus on safety, comfort, and customer satisfaction. The A321neo is one of nine aircraft Kuwait Airways has contracted with Airbus, with deliveries scheduled to continue over the coming years in accordance with the agreed timeline. The addition of these aircraft is expected to significantly boost the airline's capabilities by integrating the newest models into its fleet.
The airline highlighted the A321neo's high operational efficiency, capable of carrying 166 passengers—16 in business class and 150 in economy class—with a sleek, modern cabin design. The aircraft can also transport up to 9.5 tons of cargo, while offering a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption, a 5 percent decrease in airframe maintenance costs, and a 14 percent cut in overall operating costs.
Additionally, the aircraft is equipped with the most advanced in-flight entertainment systems in its class, including large, state-of-the-art screens and Bluetooth connectivity for headphones, ensuring an enhanced travel experience for all passengers. Established in 1953 as Kuwait National Airways Limited, Kuwait Airways launched its first flight on March 16, 1954. The government assumed full ownership of the airline in 1962.- KUNA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
16 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Rare flamingo sighting signals early return of migratory birds
KUWAIT: The recent sighting of a small flamingo in Kuwait during the summer months has drawn attention from birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, as such an occurrence is considered rare. The bird was photographed last Saturday by Kuwaiti wildlife photographer Abdulmajeed Al-Shatti, marking an unusual early appearance ahead of the typical migratory season. It remains unclear whether the flamingo will remain in the country until next March, which is usually the end of the migratory period for such birds. However, its presence during the height of summer has been viewed as a possible indication of moderating temperatures. The flamingo—known in Arabic as 'na'am al-rumi'—is a strikingly beautiful and large wading bird. The species most commonly observed in Kuwait is the greater flamingo, characterized by its impressive height of up to 1.5 meters, white and pink plumage, and a pink beak with a black tip. A less common species, the lesser flamingo, is smaller in size—reaching about one meter—and distinguished by its pink coloration and dark brown beak. As mid-summer approaches, small numbers of migratory seabirds—including flamingos—begin to return to Kuwait. According to previous records, flamingos have been sighted in limited numbers between late July and early August. These birds typically remain in the country until late March, feeding on small marine organisms abundantly found in Kuwait Bay. The appearance of migratory birds such as the flamingo highlights the ecological importance of Kuwait's coastal habitats and reinforces ongoing efforts to protect and document the country's rich biodiversity. — KUNA
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait revives co-op Kuwaitization plan with new online hiring system
KUWAIT: Kuwait's Ministry of Social Affairs announced Thursday that it will open online applications for supervisory positions in cooperative societies starting July 27, as part of the country's broader Kuwaitization strategy aimed at placing more citizens in leadership roles across key sectors. The move comes nearly a year after the ministry temporarily suspended earlier initiatives to Kuwaitize the sector. For the first time, candidates will be required to take an electronic exam on September 9, organized in cooperation with the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), according to the ministry's Acting Undersecretary Dr Khaled Al-Ajmi. 'In a first since appointments in co-ops began, the ministry will require applicants to take an electronic test,' Al-Ajmi told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), adding that passing with a score above 80 percent is mandatory to qualify for the in-person interview stage. The exam will count for more than 80 percent of the final evaluation, while the interview will account for 15 percent. The decision is part of a wider national effort to prioritize citizens for employment and address what officials have described as the country's 'demographic imbalance.' In 2023, the ministry launched its first round of Kuwaitization efforts in co-ops, posting supervisory jobs in five co-ops — Nuzha, Qortuba, Faiha, Jabriya, and Qadisiya — for positions such as directors, deputy directors, and department heads. A special committee was assigned to oversee the process. However, sources noted that turnout was lower than expected, citing job security concerns. Since then, the ministry has been working to expand the scope of the Kuwaitization initiative. In July 2024, it introduced a new vision that included general roles such as legal accountants, procurement clerks, and store managers. In January 2025, Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of State for Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah announced the formation of a new committee tasked with overcoming obstacles in hiring Kuwaitis. Al-Ajmi emphasized that the new electronic test is intended to ensure fairness and transparency in the hiring process. 'The goal is to enhance transparency, equal opportunity, and job justice in selecting candidates,' he said, noting that a free, optional training course will be made available for applicants to prepare. Salaries for the available supervisory positions range from KD 1,000 to KD 2,000 depending on the role and its responsibilities, Al-Ajmi added. Assistant Director-General of the Public Authority of Manpower Musaed Al-Mutairi confirmed that the authority has activated a digital system to register and advertise vacancies submitted by co-ops. The job opportunities will be published through the 'Fakhrona' platform dedicated to hiring Kuwaiti nationals. Applications can be submitted via the authority's online portal or through the Sahel app, Al-Mutairi told KUNA. He added that cooperative societies are a promising space for young Kuwaitis to gain leadership experience, thanks to their community-focused and administratively flexible nature. — Agencies
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Not Declaring Gold, Cash at Kuwait Airport Could Cost You Everything
KUWAIT CITY, July 19: The Center for Government Communication (CGC) announced the regulations that travelers must adhere to for carrying cash and valuable items while traveling, reports Al- Seyassah daily. On its X account, the center explained that, according to the Customs Inspection Procedures Guide, travelers must declare cash amounts equivalent to KD 3,000 or more, whether in foreign or local currency, upon departure or arrival. Valuables such as watches, jewelry, and high-value devices should be carried in hand luggage along with their purchase receipts. Also, gold in all its forms must be declared. Travelers must prepare an outgoing customs declaration upon departure. Upon arrival in Kuwait, they are required to declare any gold and present the purchase receipts. The center warned that failure to declare gold may result in arrest or confiscation of the money or gold. It urged travelers to complete the customs declaration form when departing from Kuwait International Airport. The center stated that further details are available on the official website of the General Administration of Customs (GAC).
