Kuwait Airways - History

History

The Kuwait Airways Company was formed in 1954 during a time of rapid prosperity for its nation. Kuwait Airways initially served a limited network of Abadan, Beirut, Damascus and Jerusalem using Douglas DC-3s. In its second year the fledgling carrier was facing economic hardship, and the government of Kuwait took a 50% interest in the airline, subsequently doubling the company's capital. The government later increased its shareholding to 100%.

Kuwait Airways entered the jet age in 1962 by leasing a Comet 4C, a developed version of the world's first jet-engined airliner. In the 1960s, the national carrier rapidly expanded its route network, and scheduled service to London began three times per week. To keep pace with fast-moving aviation needs, three Boeing 707s were delivered in 1968. Ten years later, Kuwait Airways had an all -Boeing 707 fleet of eight aircraft.

In 1978, Kuwait Airways entered the wide-body age by taking delivery of its first two B747-200s, adding a third the following year. This expansion permitted Kuwait Airways to extend its network to New York to the west and Manila to the east.

Modernization of the fleet continued, and four Boeing 727 were delivered in 1980-1981. Two years later eight Airbus A310 and Airbus A300-600 were delivered, and in 1986 three Boeing 767-200ER aircraft joined the wide-body fleet.

Following the destruction of its premises and 42 of its aircraft during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the airline was relaunched. Kuwait Airways fleet now comprises three A320-200, three A310-300, five A300-605R, four A340-300 and two Boeing 777-200ER, bringing the fleet to 17 aircraft.

Kuwait Airways aims to re-establish its network to reach more than 47 countries around the globe with a firm commitment to providing the finest service and comfort to passengers while continuing to rank safety as one of highest priorities.

The airline had 5,915 employees in March 2009.

In October 2007, the new CEO pledged that the airline should be privatised in order for it to compete efficiently against other airlines. He says that the airline will encounter difficulty in advancing, especially in fleet renewal, without the privatisation.