Leading Kuwait-based carrier Jazeera Airways said it has taken delivery of a brand new Airbus A320 aircraft, bringing its total fleet number to 14 aircraft.

The new aircraft was placed in operation after it left the manufacturer’s A320 facility in Toulouse, France, on Friday (November 1) and landed in Kuwait at 7:15pm (local time).  

The newly delivered aircraft is part of the airline’s growth strategy to operate new and modern aircraft, and to take on new aircraft deliveries until 2014 in parallel with Kuwait’s overall market growth.

On landing, the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), Kuwait CEO Shaikha Al Bahar and Jazeera Airways Group chairman Marwan Boodai signed the agreement for the new aircraft’s engine, which is the second aircraft to be delivered out of three aircraft funded by the $90 million structured facility that was led by NBK and DVB Bank back in June 2013.

The first aircraft that was funded by the facility was delivered on June 1.

Commenting on the new aircraft, Boodai said, “The new aircraft will be placed in operation for the passenger airline business Jazeera Airways. Having one of the Middle East’s youngest fleets is a core component to our customer offering.”

"As accustomed, the aircraft passed through a diligent nine-month review process by our team, our partners, and an independent inspector whom we hire. The successful delivery is the result of great efforts by the Jazeera Airways team and our partners," he added.

Shaikha Al Bahar said this was the second of the three aircrafts that NBK led the financing for. "NBK has been a major supporter of Jazeera Airways since its establishment. This reflects our commitment as a trustworthy partner that can be relied on to support local and regional companies in their development and expansion plans."

"We are confident that Jazeera Airways will continue growing successfully to strengthen its position in the regional aviation market," she remarked.

To date, the company has taken delivery of 14 Airbus A320s since 2005 out of its order of 15 aircraft of the same type. The company’s remaining aircraft from its current order is scheduled for delivery in May 2014.-TradeArabia News Service