BEIJING: In moves that signal the growing importance of the Middle East as an aviation hub, both Air China and budget carrier AirAsia have expressed interest in setting up operations in the Arabian Gulf.
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing has confirmed Air China is seeking to feed traffic from Asia to the Middle East and through to Africa.
Reports suggest Air China could have a twin-hub strategy (with Beijing) in place in time for the Summer 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Meanwhile, AirAsia CEO, Tony Fernandes told TravelMole Asia this week that Bahrain was on the radar but at this stage it was only as a destination rather than a hub for AirAsia Middle East operations.
AirAsia has close financial ties with Bahrain after selling a 26% stake to three international funds, including a 10% stake to Bahrain-based IDB Infrastructure Fund.
AirAsia hopes to finalise its Middle East plans within two months after “encouraging” early discussions with the Bahrain Government.
Meanwhile, Air China has added frequencies to the Tibetan Plateau, increasing the Chengdu-Linzhi service to five flights a week.
The Chengdu-Linzhi service was initiated last September, following the success of its Chengdu-Lhasa service.
by Ian Jarrett
