Losing Out on a Hub

Let’s start with a quick flashback to 2009: In August, a consultancy firm spilled the beans to the press stating that the UAE-based low-cost airliner, Air Arabia, had narrowed down its search for a third hub to two choices: Lebanon or Egypt. One month later, Air Arabia announces that Alexandria, Egypt will be its third hub.

Fast-forward to today: Air Arabia announces the launch of its fourth flight from Alexandria – destination Beirut:

Low cost carrier Air Arabia has announced that it will launch services to Beirut, Lebanon, from its third hub in Alexandria, Egypt starting July 1.

Roundtrip flights to Air Arabia fourth destination from its Egyptian hub will operate four times per week between Burj Al Arab International Airport, Alexandria and Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, Lebanon, the Sharjah-based airline said in a statement.

Great to hear, right? Well, apparently Air Arabia is now looking to establish a fourth hub and Beirut will not be its choice:

Air Arabia operates more than 64 routes from three hubs in Sharjah, Casablanca and Alexandria.

The airline recently announced plans of launching its fourth hub in Amman…

Too bad.

Air Arabia Dodges Beirut Hub for Alexandria and Amman

Check out these great posts:

• Hubbing Beirut
• Beirut Loses Out to Egypt as Air Arabia’s Third Hub
• Let’s Give Cupcakes a Chance

Let’s Give Cupcakes a Chance

Something we seem to have in common with Israelis, we are willing to dish out lots of money on desserts that we can make at home with the help of Betty Crocker:

Cupcake shops have become as ubiquitous as hot dog stands in some American cities, and have spread to Rome; Istanbul; Berlin; Seoul, South Korea; and Sydney, Australia. Now Fadi Jaber, has proved that even the Arab world is not immune to such a Western frivolity.[...]

With stores in Amman, Beirut and Dubai, you too can have a cupcake. The Israelis are also keen on the sweet, though they seem to prefer the virtual type:

In the last year, three online cupcake stores opened in Israel, all in Tel Aviv.

Maybe its time we all make peace over a round of strawberry cupcakes. We wouldn’t want to be serving hommous or falafel now would we?

Check out these great posts:

• To Talk or Not To Talk
• LV to LB
• Losing Out on a Hub