03 May 2003
MUSCAT — The Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC) claims that Seeb international airport is one of the safest airports in the Gulf, thanks to the British Airport Authority (BAA)’s operational and safety standards followed here.
Colin Hobbs, chief executive of OAMC, in an interview with Times Business maintained that the company had also made some ‘significant moves’ in upgrading the commercial and other facilities at the airport that would offer more facilities and services to passengers.
It has also made some changes that will segregate the well-wishers from checking-in passengers. “This has given more space for airlines to facilitate smooth check-ins,” according to him.
The company has completed the feasibility study — the first major phase of the new development at Seeb international airport.
“We now know exactly what project will make Muscat one of the best airports in the region,” Colin said.
A detailed design for the airport is likely to be made ready withing nine months and then the actual construction of the airport will commence. “By the end of 2006 we will have the new terminal,” he said.
The partners of OAMC — BAA, Bahwan Trading Company, Government of Oman, ABB and Oman Aviation Services Company (OAS) — will be investing about RO64 million in the project.
The political problems that have affected the aviation industry in the region and around the world did impact the business of OAMC too. In 2001 the 9/11 tragedy shattered the US, with a perennial effect on that country and the world; the Afghanistan incursion followed, then the Iraq war. And now the Sars threat, with its definitely potential dangers. All of these are hitting hard airline operations across the world, pushing balance sheets into the red. Yet, Oman was not badly affected, but for a brief spell of flight suspension by a few operators.
“These are difficult times. The airport is not making quite the profits that we expected in the short run. March traffic was 13 per cent down over the previous year's March.” Nevertheless Colin and his dedicated team have embarked on an aggressive marketing campaign.
“There were so many global negatives stopping tourism growing. But we continued our efforts. We have made remarkable progress here with the help of Oman's department of tourism,” the airport company official stated.
Colin was appreciative of the Oman's tourism department for making “good progress” in respect of issues like relaxation of visa rules, developing the infrastructure that the tourists require to come to Oman such as clearly marked roadsigns and boards, information leaflets about tourist sites and monuments, etc.
He said the tourism department was taking vigorous steps in that direction with OAMC supporting the branding of Oman to create a positive commercial environment that will help everybody. “We need to encourage business and tourism”.
Colin is also looking forward to the relaxation of the visa rules. “When these are implemented, then Oman will grow rapidly as a result of our aggressive marketing campaigns,” he pointed out.
As far as future developmental plans are concerned, the company is considering hotels, petrol stations, left luggage offices and office blocks in the airport complex. “Basically, we will improve and update all passenger-related facilities,” he said, adding that the terminal, which will virtually double in size, will also be made ‘very attractive and exciting’.
When asked if there were plans to increase passenger charges, an emphatic “No” was his answer. But he maintained that he was constantly working with handling agents and fuelling companies to operate the airport as cost-effectively as any other in the region.
To a question about new carriers flying into Muscat, Colin said few “new carrier companies are thinking of coming in” but they might wait till the dust to settle.
However, he stated that some airlines such as Gulf Air and Emirates would be increasing their frequencies from July.
“The commercial facilities at the airport would continuously be improved as the terminal is developed,” Colin added.
MUSCAT — The Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC) claims that Seeb international airport is one of the safest airports in the Gulf, thanks to the British Airport Authority (BAA)’s operational and safety standards followed here.
Colin Hobbs, chief executive of OAMC, in an interview with Times Business maintained that the company had also made some ‘significant moves’ in upgrading the commercial and other facilities at the airport that would offer more facilities and services to passengers.
It has also made some changes that will segregate the well-wishers from checking-in passengers. “This has given more space for airlines to facilitate smooth check-ins,” according to him.
The company has completed the feasibility study — the first major phase of the new development at Seeb international airport.
“We now know exactly what project will make Muscat one of the best airports in the region,” Colin said.
A detailed design for the airport is likely to be made ready withing nine months and then the actual construction of the airport will commence. “By the end of 2006 we will have the new terminal,” he said.
The partners of OAMC — BAA, Bahwan Trading Company, Government of Oman, ABB and Oman Aviation Services Company (OAS) — will be investing about RO64 million in the project.
The political problems that have affected the aviation industry in the region and around the world did impact the business of OAMC too. In 2001 the 9/11 tragedy shattered the US, with a perennial effect on that country and the world; the Afghanistan incursion followed, then the Iraq war. And now the Sars threat, with its definitely potential dangers. All of these are hitting hard airline operations across the world, pushing balance sheets into the red. Yet, Oman was not badly affected, but for a brief spell of flight suspension by a few operators.
“These are difficult times. The airport is not making quite the profits that we expected in the short run. March traffic was 13 per cent down over the previous year's March.” Nevertheless Colin and his dedicated team have embarked on an aggressive marketing campaign.
“There were so many global negatives stopping tourism growing. But we continued our efforts. We have made remarkable progress here with the help of Oman's department of tourism,” the airport company official stated.
Colin was appreciative of the Oman's tourism department for making “good progress” in respect of issues like relaxation of visa rules, developing the infrastructure that the tourists require to come to Oman such as clearly marked roadsigns and boards, information leaflets about tourist sites and monuments, etc.
He said the tourism department was taking vigorous steps in that direction with OAMC supporting the branding of Oman to create a positive commercial environment that will help everybody. “We need to encourage business and tourism”.
Colin is also looking forward to the relaxation of the visa rules. “When these are implemented, then Oman will grow rapidly as a result of our aggressive marketing campaigns,” he pointed out.
As far as future developmental plans are concerned, the company is considering hotels, petrol stations, left luggage offices and office blocks in the airport complex. “Basically, we will improve and update all passenger-related facilities,” he said, adding that the terminal, which will virtually double in size, will also be made ‘very attractive and exciting’.
When asked if there were plans to increase passenger charges, an emphatic “No” was his answer. But he maintained that he was constantly working with handling agents and fuelling companies to operate the airport as cost-effectively as any other in the region.
To a question about new carriers flying into Muscat, Colin said few “new carrier companies are thinking of coming in” but they might wait till the dust to settle.
However, he stated that some airlines such as Gulf Air and Emirates would be increasing their frequencies from July.
“The commercial facilities at the airport would continuously be improved as the terminal is developed,” Colin added.
By John Lopez
© Times of Oman 2003
