As reported by the local news correspondent at CitySpur, The skies above the Gulf might get even more crowded next year as plans for a new Abu Dhabi-based low-cost airline get underway. The new airline to come out of the capital emirate will be the United Arab Emirates’ third budget airline, following in the footsteps of flyDubai based in Dubai and Air Arabian in Sharjah. “The Middle East is still playing ‘catch up’ with the rest of the world as far as LCCs [Low Cost Carriers] go,” David J Bentley, Joint Managing Director of Big Pond Aviation, told The Media Line. “The rest of the world is moving on with the continuing evolution of the hybrid model that superficially keeps costs and prices low while pandering to the needs of business travelers.” In parallel with the Gulf’s premium airlines, the low cost segment of the market has seen substantial growth, with six new carriers established over as many years, including Air Arabian in 2003 in Sharjah, Kuwaiti Jazeera Airways and Saudi Arabian Sama Airlines.

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In response to the attempted attack on Christmas day, the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) called on governments across the globe to focus attention and resources on commercial aviation security measures to protect travelers around the world. NBTA is pleased the Obama Administration has ordered investigations into how travelers are placed on watch lists and airport screening procedures, and urges aviation and homeland security officials to consider risk-management security programs when reviewing current and future airline passenger protection regulations.

Michael W. McCormick, NBTA Executive Director, said:

“Although it usually takes a tragedy to bring to light the urgent nature of our global security needs, we were very fortunate that all involved arrived safely in the attempted terrorist attack. We can now focus our full attention on the needed improvements to global aviation security that was exposed so dramatically last week.

As the Obama Administration quickly reviews this incident and all policies and procedures to protect air travel, we urge officials to evaluate better weapon and explosive detection devices and related procedures. Watch list processes must be enhanced, and any bureaucratic gaps must be addressed.

NBTA has long supported risk-management programs that enhance aviation security. TSA’s Secure Flight helps to enhance domestic and international travel through the use of improved watch list matching, while the US-VISIT program collects biometric information from international travelers, both of which help to protect travelers and our nation. These programs should be used as readily available tools to improve the system that protects our global aviation security.

The business travel community is aware that procedural modifications are often required to address security concerns, and new regulations will be expected and adopted so long as corporate travelers can get to where they need to be efficiently and safely. Companies around the world rely on business travel to conduct business, and global markets rely on that business for economic growth.”