Kuwait's low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways, which expects consolidation among Middle Eastern budget airlines, is on the prowl for acquisitions, its chief executive said on Monday.

Stefan Pichler, speaking on the sidelines of a conference, also said the carrier expected to post a full-year profit in 2009.

'There will be some consolidation in the Middle East, especially in low cost airlines,' he told reporters. 'We are keeping our eyes open.'    

'We are working on hubs but our focus is not so much GCC but more on Middle East countries.'    

Pichler, who took the helm of the Kuwait carrier earlier this year, said the airline was focusing on the Middle East because of weaker competitors.

Jazeera began operations in 2005. It competes with Sharjah-based Air Arabia and Dubai's FlyDubai. - Reuters