Sharjah: Air Arabia announced yesterday that it will introduce a service to Kiev, Ukraine, in October.

The launch of the new destination reflects the Sharjah-based low-cost carrier's growing expansion into the Eastern European market.

"Ukraine is one of the fastest-growing economies in Eastern Europe, and there is considerable passenger traffic between the country and the Middle East, particularly for tourism and business. We look forward to introducing non-stop service between Kiev and Sharjah in the coming months, and to offering our value-for-money services to everyone seeking friendly and efficient travel between these two dynamic regions," said AK Nizar, head of Air Arabia's commercial department,

With a population approaching three million, Kiev is an important industrial, scientific and cultural centre of Eastern Europe. It boasts a range of natural and architectural attractions.

Kiev is the capital of Ukraine, which experienced record economic growth of more than 7.3 per cent last year alone.