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Press Releases - About Sharjah Airport


GULF NEWS

Monday, April 21, 2003

Sharjah airport posts encouraging results

Sharjah

Sharjah International Airport yesterday reported encouraging first-quarter results, with an 11 per cent rise in aircraft movements and a 30 per cent jump in passenger traffic.

The positive results come in the background of war in Iraq and a lull in Middle East passenger and cargo movements, officials pointed out.

The reinstated Ariana Afghan service to Kabul, Haj operations and My Travel's service from Scandinavia were instrumental in January charting the highest relative jump in aircraft movements, while passenger traffic surged almost 31 per cent in March.

"The airport is on course to achieve its targeted five per cent overall increase for 2003," stated Dr Ghanem Al Hajri, director general.

He attributed the performance to persistent efforts aimed at maintaining quality standards, and to derive the best from any possible situation.

"Another factor driving passenger traffic is the 10-15 minute passenger check-in and check-out times," he added.

The rise in figures comes atop higher numbers recorded in 2002, particularly as regards cargo. The freight centre last year saw a 25 per cent increase in cargo imports and 18 per cent in exports, contributing to a 22 per cent net increase in cargo movements.

Ali Kombargi, director of the centre, attributed the impressive growth to the reinstated commercial cargo traffic to Afghanistan through Ariana Afghan Airlines and other carriers, more traffic operated by Sudan Airways and Azza Air to traditional destinations in Africa like Khartoum, and higher number of charter operations to Lagos.

"Regular and charter operations to Moscow have also increased," he added.

 

 

Commercial Carriers

Several commercial carriers have, besides, increased their operations from Sharjah, notably Cargolux Airlines, MartinAir Holland and MK Airlines, which bring in cargo from the Far East for redistribution at Sharjah.

Indian Airlines has also charted a 100-plus per cent cargo growth.

Kombargi anticipated growth this year similar to 2002 levels, owing to more cargo likely on the Afghanistan sector, and a further increase in traffic to Europe ahead.

The airport management has, meanwhile, decided to participate in numerous events and exhibitions related to cargo, with plans underway to target countries in the Subcontinent, the Orient, South America, Scandinavia and Southern Africa.

The administration and commercial division which comprises the business development and marketing departments, meanwhile, has been actively supporting the airport's development masterplan for the next decade, noted Ali Salem Al Midfa, director.

"Our system is committed to providing excellent cargo and passenger management facilities, and we welcome feedback on our services," he added.

WAM adds: The Sharjah Cargo Centre employs a world wide network of cargo services which covers more than 80 international destinations, in addition there are fifteen cargo companies working from Sharjah Airport, and serving other destinations in the world.

Sharjah Civil Aviation Authority has lately prepared a promotion plan to attract possible customers from India, Iran, Central Asia, Scandinavian and African countries.

 


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