Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 18thApril 2012: RAK International Airport has continued to strengthen its management team with three recent appointments of Michael Coe as the Development Director, Terry Sloan as the Head of Operations, and Salem Hasan Al-Ghafri as the Head of Security, Control Authorities and Regulatory Compliance.

Andrew Gower, RAK International Airport's Airport Director, said: "I am pleased to be able to announce that Michael, Terry and Salem are joining the senior team at the airport.  They bring with them a wealth of experience of working in commercial environments in the aviation sector, and I am confident they will be a major asset to the team."

The new appointments support RAK International Airport's expansion plans which reflect the strong growth of the emirate. Under the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Member of the Supreme Council, the emirate continues to grow from strength to strength in both commercial and tourism sectors.

Michael Coe joins RAK International Airport from the United Kingdom, having previously worked with SSP UK Air Ltd as Projects Director, where he was responsible for new developments throughout the UK and in overseas airports.

With a background in architecture, project management and business development across airport, retail, leisure and commercial sectors, Coe will be responsible for driving RAK International Airport's development goals.

Terry Sloan has 17 years' experience in the aviation industry, with an extensive background in ramp handling, apron, airfield and terminal safety. He played a key role in Liverpool's John Lennon Airport expansion from 0.5 million to 5.5 million passengers.

RAK International Airport has continued to invest in the existing team as part of its commitment to train and develop its workforce. Salem Hasan Al-Ghafri is an Emirati who has risen through the ranks and has exhibited a strong potential in taking a greater role in ensuring safety for the airport. He has completed a number of specialist training programs, including Aviation Security Management ICAO (2011), Basic Training for Airport Security Personnel ICAO (2012), Aviation Crisis Management ICAO (2012), Aviation Cargo and Mail Security ICAO (2012), Aviation Security Supervisor ICAO (2012).

Salem has previously worked for 13 years in the military and 9 years as a security district consultant across various Middle Eastern countries.  In 2011 Salem joined Department of Civil Aviation of RAK, and quickly progressed to senior management across the DCA and the airport.

Gower concluded: "These are exciting times in Ras Al Khaimah and the airport is ready to play its part in the emirate's continuing success."

-Ends-

About RAK International Airport
Inaugurated in 1976 by H.H. Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, RAK International Airport is currently celebrating 35 years of operation. Located 18 kms from the city, the airport's modern with state-of-the-art equipment and boasts a 3,760-meter-long runway capable of handling the biggest aircraft currently in service. Six scheduled carriers and over 25 charter airlines fly through RAK International Airport. RAK International Airport was the second airport in the GCC to secure the ISO 9001: 2000 accreditation for quality management.

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© Press Release 2012