Muscat  25 March 2015

Under the auspices of HE Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Salem Al-Futaisi, Oman's Minister of Transport & Communications, the Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC)  opened the First International Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) Conference "The HIVE" today at the Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa today.

The first of its kind in the Sultanate, the conference aims at achieving a number of goals including building and activating the channels of communication between experts and specialists in the field of airport management with a focus on successful operation of the new airports, discussing and sharing ORAT concepts and methodologies through bringing together key organizations from across the world.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Khalfan bin Said Al-Shueili, the General Manager of Readiness said, "We are honored that the timing of this conference coincides with the national celebration for the safe return and good health of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said."

He added, "The Hive' conference has attracted aviation industry speakers and delegates from around the world, and has been organised by the OAMC in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport & Communications and the Public Authority for Civil Aviation, with Oman Air as the platinum sponsor.  This conference is very timely as five new international and regional airports, all developed in accordance to the highest international standards, will soon become operational throughout the Sultanate."

The first speaker of the day was Patti Chau, Regional Director of Airports Council International (ACI) who highlighted the transformation of the Middle East into aviation's next international hub and the need to continue the momentum of growth to capitalize on the region's strategic geographical location.

This was followed by Paul Gregorowitsch, the Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air who spoke of Oman Air's Renaissance, its journey to become operationally profitable by 2017 and its objective to become a regional leader in the aviation industry.   This was followed by a panel discussion on the impact of new airports projects on airport operation's business growth.  Moderated by renowned journalist and Chairman of the New Arab Debates, Tim Sebastian, the panel comprised of regional and international airport management leaders including Eng. Saeed bin Khamis Al Zadjali, the Acting CEO of OAMC, Eng. Ahmed Al Haddabi, COO of Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Dr Mustafa Sani Sener, President and Group CEO TAV Airports Turkey and Marcel Hungerbuehler, the COO of Delhi International Airport. 

The second session of the conference was opened by Mrs. Sally Blackwell, retired ORAT Director from Heathrow Airports Group who spoke of lessons learnt from the opening of Heathrow's Terminals 5 and 2.  Following this was a speech by Dr. Mustafa Sani Sener, President and Group CEO of TAV Airports Turkey who highlighted the importance of evaluating the complete economic model of an airport during the planning and design phases including all aeronautical and non-aeronautical sources of revenue.   The final speaker of the session was Dr. Govindan Sridharan, the Executive Director of GMR Airport Developer Limited, who shared the lessons learnt from the opening of Terminal 2 of Delhi International Airport, the largest infrastructure building project ever constructed in India and highlighted the importance of enhancing the total passenger experience. 

Opening the third and final session of the day was Christopher A Jack, the VP of Operational Integration at Abu Dhabi Airports who shared his reflections on Abu Dhabi Airport Midfield Terminal Projects.  Speaking on Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport was Mr. Brendan Daly, the Senior Vice President of Operations at DAA International.  Speaking next on one cross functional ORAT at Hamad International Airport was Mr. Walter Monitor, the VP of Operational Readiness and Airport Transition for Qatar Airways.  The final speaker for session three was Mr. Hans-Joachim Klohs, the VP of Infrastructure, Traffic and Operational Planning at Munich Airport who shared the experiences of the airport operator with ORAT projects at Munich Airport.  

The conference also witnessed a signing ceremony between the OAMC and TAV Airports Holding.  The MoU, signed by Dr. Juma Bin Ali Juma, Chairman of OAMC and Dr. Mustafa Sani Sener, the President and CEO of TAV Airports Holding represents a knowledge sharing agreement utilizing the expertise of TAV Airports Holding as it relates to IT operations encompassing the entire airport management spectrum.  The ceremony was witnessed by senior officials, dignitaries and guests. 

The conference was attended by CEOs, and senior management of Gulf and Middle East Airports, CEOs, and senior management of International Airports, representatives of International Civil Aviation Organization, International Air Transport Association, Airports Council International, Arab and global aviation organizations, senior management representatives of Civil Aviation Authorities, operation readiness consultants and global aviation companies.

In addition to global participants, local participants included Ministry of Transport and Communications, Public Authority for Civil Aviation, Royal Oman Police, Oman Air, main contractors, commercial partners, suppliers and contractors, the Ministry of Tourism, travel and tourism agencies, hotels, aviation companies in Oman are also participate as they are linked directly to the civil aviation field.

OAMC is responsible for the management and operation of Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport, Sohar Airport and Al Duqm Airport. Organising the 'Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer' conference comes as part of preparing for the operational stage following the completion of construction works for the new Muscat International Airport.

In line with their dedication towards global travel and tourism events, OAMC recently took part in the 'Passenger Terminal Expo 2015', held in Paris, France from 10-12 March 2015. Representing Oman, the delegation from OAMC took the opportunity to promote the HIVE event to conference attendees, which comprised aviation and airports management professionals from around the world.

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For more details, please visit hive.omanairports.co.om or follow OAMC on Facebook and Twitter.

© Press Release 2015