Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, today announced that it flew a record number of passengers in January 2013 as the airline carried almost half a million passengers. Latest statistics released by the airline show that it carried a total of 492,847 passengers in the month, an increase of nearly 15 per cent as compared to a year earlier. This represents the highest number of passengers that the airline handled in a month since inception.

The airline’s seat load factor - passengers as a percentage of total seats available - stood at an impressive 82.5 per cent, further demonstrating the growing popularity of the Air Arabia ’s value for money services.

The airline has witnessed a steady increase in passenger numbers in 2012. Last year, the low-cost pioneer carried has 5.3 million passengers, an increase of over 13 per cent compared to 2011.

"It is encouraging to begin the year with record passenger numbers," said Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia . "The record number demonstrates the strength of Air Arabia - offering affordable fares to an ever growing range of destinations. As we embark on a new growth journey, we remain committed to millions of passengers who choose to fly with Air Arabia , whether for business or leisure purposes."

As customer demand soars, fleet expansion becomes a top priority for the airline. January 2013 seen the airline taking delivery of its first fuel saving Sharklet equipped aircraft from Airbus, and has become the first airline in the Middle East to operate a Sharklet equipped A320 aircraft. The airline is due to receive five more aircraft this year.