New private commercial airline
February 2005 will also see not only celebrations to mark Kuwait’s National Day and Liberation Day, but also the launching of its first budget airline, Jazeera Airways.

It will offer 30 flights a week using two leased Airbus 320-200 aircraft. Tickets will cost about half the price of regular airlines. For the record, Jazeera Airways’ IPO was 12 times oversubscribed and it has 6,000 shareholders, which promises a bright future for the airline.

Kuwait Airways planning to become privatised
Major changes are on the cards for Kuwait Airways as we see newly-appointed chairman Sheikh Talal Al Mubarak Al Sabah taking on the responsibilities of a difficult challenge for the nation’s airline. Even though, the Parliament has yet to take a decision on covering its $681m in accumulated losses, the airline needs funds to improve its performance.

Visit visas a breeze
Kuwait has introduced a new three-month visa system for business men/women and/or tourists who wish to visit the country.  This visa is obtainable on arrival from the airport for citizens of 34 countries from North America to Europe and Australia. Other nationalities can now also apply for visas through Kuwait Airways, hotels, travel agents and tour groups as well as diplomatic missions.