Do you really believe press releases???
Looking at this as an outsider but trying to be realistic. GACA have announced that they will issue the licence at the end of 2006, not sure if they actually means 01-1428. All of the competitors will have to show competence and the ability to operate routes profitably, but surely no one would expect them to start operations immediately! Especially as the Eid will be over and the next rush will be the summer holidays.
I’m interested to see how they can operate 7 aircraft, the route structure of Saudi is interesting, but very few of the routes actually operate full and those that do, have a massive number of free ticket holders onboard!
Mutt.