The Air Arabia Group, in a significant step in its ongoing integration, has appointed Jason Bitter as the chief executive officer of Air Arabia (Maroc), which launched operations from its hub at Casablanca in May.

The Air Arabia Group oversees the operations of low-cost carriers (LCCs) based in the UAE and Morocco as well as a wide range of ancillary businesses in tourism and hospitality.

The new airline, a joint venture company and member of the Air Arabia family, focuses on offering comfort, reliability and value-for-money air travel to and from the Moroccan city of Casablanca. Air Arabia’s successful business model is applied to the management of the newly established LCC, said a senior official.

Air Arabia (Maroc), which operates out of Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, currently serves eight destinations in Europe, including Barcelona, Spain; Brussels, Belgium; Istanbul, Turkey; London, England; Lyon, Marseilles and Paris, France; and Milan, Italy.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jason Bitter as Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia (Maroc),” said Adel Ali, Group chief executive officer, Air Arabia.

'Jason brings with him enormous global experience in the low-cost sector and a great set of professional skills, which he will apply to the management of Morocco’s newest LCC and the latest member of the Air Arabia family,' he observed.

'With this new appointment, Air Arabia (Maroc) will maximise the growth opportunities that exist for the carrier in the dynamic North African and European markets.'

Jason is a highly experienced industry professional, who has worked for more than 15 years in the sector in Europe and Asia, he added.

Most recently, Jason served as chief executive officer of Central Europe’s first LCC, SkyEurope Airlines, based in Slovakia. Previously, he served as chief operating officer of India’s leading low-cost carrier, SpiceJet Limited, in New Delhi, India.

“I am extremely pleased to have been given the opportunity to join the Air Arabia Group and to guide the operations and ongoing development of Air Arabia (Maroc),” said Jason, on his appointment.

'While the worldwide aviation sector currently faces unprecedented challenges, as a consequence of the global financial crisis, the appeal of value-for-money low-cost carriers has never been greater.'

'Based on the successful management model of Air Arabia, I am convinced that Air Arabia (Maroc) can soar to great heights, providing travellers in North Africa and Europe with the highest standards of safety, service and convenience at extremely competitive prices,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service