Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, has been named “Low Cost Airline of the Year” at the prestigious Aviation Business Awards. At the event held in Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, Air Arabia’s Group CEO, Adel Ali, also received a personal accolade when he won the inaugural “Hall of Fame” award.

The award for “Low Cost Airline of the Year” was in recognition of the airline’s achievement in continuing to pioneer the low cost aviation model. The award acknowledged the success of Air Arabia’s new regional and international routes, its investment in aircraft, and its track record for excellence and innovation.

The Aviation Business Awards also gave a personal accolade to Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia. Mr. Ali was awarded the inaugural “Hall of Fame Award”, which honours a leading and respected figurehead from the Middle East aviation industry. In just seven years Mr. Ali has overseen the creation of the region’s largest low cost carrier, which now flies to over 67 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe. Mr. Ali’s years of experience coupled with his leadership, vision, and charisma have been pivotal in establishing Air Arabia as the region’s number one low cost airline.

Commenting on the awards, Ali said: “We are proud to accept the award for Low Cost Carrier of the Year which is recognition of the outstanding work our employees across the region put into making Air Arabia a success. I would also like to thank the millions of passengers who fly with us each year and who continue to inspire us to offer the most reliable value-for-money air travel options in the wider region”.

The Aviation Business Awards, now in their fourth year, celebrate the achievements of both regional and international companies within the aerospace industry. Covering 15 categories in total, including the airline, airport and cargo sectors, the awards are voted on by a prestigious panel of experts, selected from within the Middle East aerospace industry.