note
Flag carrier and national airline of Kuwait was established by Kuwait ruler and Kuwaiti businessmen in 1953 as Kuwait National Airways. Operations commenced in April 1954 between Basra and Cairo using Douglas DC-3 aircraft. Airline received its first turboprop aircraft in September 1958 when a Vickers Viscount was delivered. Airline changed its name to Kuwait Airways the same year and BOAC took over management.
In March 1962 first jet service using De Havilland Comet 4C was inaugurated on route Kuwait - London.
Private interest was bought out in 1964 and the state of Kuwait became sole owner.
In 1968 first Boeing 707 joined the fleet.
First wide-body, a Boeing 747, joined the fleet in July 1978. This jet enabled Kuwait Airways to introduce long-haul routes as far as New York and Manila. In 1983 first Airbus A310 and Airbus A300 arrived followed three years later by Boeing 767. Airline suffered great setback in 1991 as result of the Iraqi Invasion. Most of its fleet was destroyed and all operations were suspended. After the war, Kuwait Airways rebuilt its former network and new aircraft were ordered, namely Airbus A320s, A340s and Boeing 777s.
Kuwait Airways serves New York, London, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, Geneva in the West. In the East its network include Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka, Bangkok and many gateways to India. Kuwait Airways regional network includes all major Middle Eastern destinations as well as more exotic destinations such as Assuit, Alexandria and Luxor in Egypt and Tehran.
founded - demised (age)
March 1954 - present (71years)
headquarters
Kuwait International Airport PO Box 394, Safat
web
base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (38)
