MARCH 20, 2008. The Government of Dubai's announcement to set up a new airline will result in the formation of a new company that will operate a low-cost airline model with its own brand and identity and while it will be initially supported by Emirates during the set-up period, it will not be part of the Emirates Group.

Although the new airline HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, has been appointed by the government as Chairman of the new low-cost airline; and Ghaith Al Ghaith, Executive Vice President Commercial Operations Worldwide at Emirates, has been appointed Chief Executive of the new entity.

Initially the new airline will operate regionally within the GCC area and surrounding countries.

Sheikh Ahmed said: "Emirates will assist in the formation of Dubai's new low-cost airline up to its first flight. I am confident that with Ghaith as the CEO, this new airline will be very successful. The Emirates Group will assist him in forming the new company and will continue to give all support as required up to its inauguration."

Mr. Al Ghaith will relinquish his role at Emirates in the near future.