Emirates to launch low-cost airline

Dubai: UAE's premium airline, Emirates, will launch a new low-cost carrier in response to the growing number of passengers traveling to and from the UAE, according to the official news agency Wam. The decision was taken by Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai.

A statement said that the new airline would price its services to passengers based on their ''economic and living conditions to suit their incomes.''

Emirates, the Arab world's largest carrier, will run the new low-cost carrier which will begin operations within a year. The new airline will lease or buy single-aisle aircraft and operate to destinations between four to four and half hours away from Dubai.