I know a lot of you are really mind boggeled (or something like that
) when you hear about the start-ups in this region. So here's my 50 cents worth on the situation.
Yes the region is small but there is always a lot of activity around here from all parts of the world, sort of what HK was like some years ago. Also you have to realise that unlike most other countries, aviation is really in its infancy here. This means that there is still room for some pretty impressive growth. Also at some point the airlines around here are going to get smart and stop flying 30 people on a wide-body on the regional route, when this happens all the low-costers will all ready be established to try and pick up that contract business. I think that there is still room in this market, particularly for the regionals...
As far as the current start-ups, here is the run down on all that are so far seeming legitimate and have started their AOC process:
1) Etihad Airways - A330s to launch and first flight 26/09/03
2) Air Arabia - A320s to launch and first flight 18/10/03
3) Transgulf Express - A320s to launch and first flight ??/10/03
Transgulf still hasn't been able to set a start date since it's the only privately owned venture and I'm sure they're having a tough time getting things done with the authorities here. Apart from this, I read that National Air Service in Saudi are planning a domestic airline to begin operations in about 12 months.
Hope this helps!
LR25EC