Kuwait-based airline Wataniya Airways, has taken delivery of its first leased A320 aircraft, and has become the newest Airbus operator. Wataniya Airways, founded in 2006, plans to take delivery of a total of seven leased A320s.

In a standard two-class configuration, the A320 can seat 180 passengers, however Wataniya's configuration is particularly spacious with just 122 seats.

"No other plane of this size offers so much room and comfort throughout the aircraft and we will have the lowest seating density on an A320 compared with all other scheduled airlines in the region." said Chairman & Managing Director, Abdul Salam Al Bahar. "Wataniya Airways is the first full service airline of its kind to be launched in the past several years, and will offer an unrivalled experience combining new levels of comfort and luxury to all its passengers, in the air and on the ground."

Wataniya Airways will offer scheduled services to major destination in the Gulf and the Middle East based out of its own premium services terminal at Kuwait International Airport from early 2009.

"Wataniya Airways is basing their fleet on what is without question the world's leading single aisle aircraft. Not only does it offer the widest fuselage in the market but it offers the most space and passenger comfort. When it comes to operating cost the A320 Family is simply the best," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers.

So far there are 222 A320 family aircraft operators worldwide, with Wataniya Airways becoming the 223rd. For all Airbus Family aircraft, Wataniya Airways becomes the 311th operator.

The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. Each aircraft features fly-by-wire controls and all share a unique cockpit and operational commonality across the range. Over 6,300 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold and over 3,700 delivered worldwide, making it the world's best selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world wide standard wide-body system.

Airbus is an EADS company.

Image: Kuwait-based Wataniya Airways became a new Airbus operator following the delivery of its first leased A320 aircraft.