Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, today announced that it carried some 4.7 million passengers in 2011, a six per cent growth compared to the previous year.

The airline’s ambitious network expansion strategy was central to the significant growth in passenger numbers witnessed over the past year. In 2011, Air Arabia added six new routes to Moscow and Yekaterinburg in Russia, Kharkiv and Donetsk in Ukraine, and Gassim and Yanbu in KSA. In addition, the airline also launched non-stop services from its Alexandria hub to Milan in Italy, Riyadh and Dammam in KSA.

“Air Arabia continues to witness significant year-on-year growth” said Adel Ali, Board Member and Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia. “2011 seen Air Arabia serving its 70th destination across the globe from its three operating hubs. Our long-term expansion strategy, underpinned by our proven business model, and customer driven value will continue to drive Air Arabia’s growth in the years to come.”

In 2011, the carrier also took delivery of six new A320 aircraft from Airbus as part of an order for 44 aircraft placed in 2007. Once completed in 2016, the order will more than double the size of Air Arabia’s fleet, in line with its aim to increase its total operating fleet to more than 50 aircraft.