5 March 2005

SHARJAH -- Sharjah International Airport has witnessed a 16 per cent increase in aircraft movement and a 33.23 per cent increase in passenger movement in 2004.

Set to expand its infrastructure and facilities by 2006, Sharjah International Airport had a busy 2004. According to airport statistics, there were 23,015 scheduled and 9,319 non-scheduled flight movements in 2004, indicating a 27.32 per cent increase in scheduled operations.

One of Middle East's busiest air cargo hub, Sharjah Airport is rapidly becoming one of the region's fastest growing passenger hubs. The airport has witnessed a high turnout in passenger figures both in terms of flights operated and passenger throughput in 2004.

The months of April, July and August in 2004 experienced the highest comparative increases from year 2003 both in aircraft movements and passenger throughput.

Between April and October, there was a very healthy average increase of 57 per cent, and overall comparative increase of nearly 34 per cent in passenger movement in 2004.  This is a clear indication of passengers' confidence and loyalty to the airport.

Dr Ghanem Al Hajri, Director-General of Sharjah Airport and Department of Civil Aviation, Sharjah, commented: "Sharjah, the gateway to Arabia is the perfect, economic transit point on your way to the east or west. This is unique and what we want our industry partners to know."

Dr Al Hajri attributed the healthy increase in passenger figures to Air Arabia and its successful operations since its launch in 2003. He expects an impressive overall increase in the year 2005 and remarkable increases in the years ahead.

He pointed out that Sharjah airport had exceeded its targeted figure for the year 2004 in terms of overall operational performance and revenues earned.

Ali Salem Al Midfa, Director of Administration and Commercial, stated: "It is the persistent efforts to maintain quality standards and drive to achieve the best from the minimum that is driving the airport forward."

According to Al Midfa, "pure foresight, planning, effective management and hard work" facilitated development and improved commercial activity at Sharjah International Airport.

The Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation, chaired by Shaikh Abdulla Al Thani, ensures that its airport strictly adheres to international quality features and security norms.

Said Dr Al Hajri: "We have put in lot of efforts to upgrade airport facilities and technical skills and we propose to maintain the high standards and improve upon them continually."

The DCA works in close coordination with the governments departments like Customs, Immigration and Police ensuring its customers friendly and professional services at par with international standards. Qualitative delivery of services and security measures adopted has been a priority with the ISO 9001 certified Airport.

Sharjah Airport takes pride in being the base of Air Arabia's operations. After a year that recorded a load factor in excess of 80 per cent across their network, Air Arabia has now five Airbus 320s in their fleet that serves 15 destinations in the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent.

Air Arabia, introduced in October 2003, unleashed a new concept of air travel to the region -- encouraging online booking and value for money travelling that made air travel affordable by anyone. Just a year old, the company has recorded a break-even already.

The airline carried close to 550,000 passengers in the year 2004 and witnessed a steady monthly increase in passenger figures.

"We've created an airline that will grant the travelling public of this region the chance to enjoy the benefits of competitive fares, ease of booking and transparency of service," said Adel Ali, Air Arabia CEO.

In order to increase the airport's capacity in line with the anticipated levels of growth, Sharjah Airport has announced a massive expansion schedule which is bound to complete in 2006. The passenger terminal will receive a major face-lift including various value-additions within the terminal for passenger comfort, leisure and convenience.

The administration and commercial division which comprises the Business Development and Marketing departments, has been actively supporting the Airport's masterplan for development for the next decade.

Ali Salem Al Midfa, the division director, is optimistic about the airports growth prospects. He also stressed on the impact that Air Arabia has laid on the travelling community. "Air Arabia has turned out to be a boon for the Airport and for the air-travellers," he said.

Ali Midfa is positive about the rise in passenger and cargo traffic in 2005.

Sharjah International Airport's Freight Centre is riding on the success of Middle East cargo specialists. In 2004, there was a 8.29 per cent increase in import figures and 25.82 per cent increase in export figures resulting in a net increase in cargo operations.

Ali Kombargi, Director of Freight Center, attributes the steady business to the airport's handling of difficult situations, their staff, infrastructure  and their loyal partners.

The Freight Centre has a network facilitating cargo services to almost every corner of the world. Out of which the bulk of the cargo is operated via Singapore, Taiwan, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Amsterdam, Moscow, Khartoum, and Beirut.

Having witnessed an encouraging 2004, the management has decided to participate in numerous events and exhibitions related to tourism and cargo.

By a staff reporter

© Khaleej Times 2005