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About Us  |  Contact Us  |  Tracking   |   Weather   |  Feedback  |  SAIF zone  |  Sitemap | Home Press Releases - About Sharjah Airport KHALEEJ TIMES Saturday, March 13, 2004 Sharjah airport says goodbye to 2003 in style Airport registers 13pc increase in aircraft movements & 21.27pc jump in passenger movements SHARJAH - Amidst all uncertainties and gloomy aviation market conditions, Sharjah International Airport had a busy 2003. According to figures, the airport has experienced nearly a 13 per cent increase in aircraft movements and a whopping 21.27 per cent increase in passenger movements. There was 9,356 scheduled and 4,772 non scheduled passenger flight movements. Plus, 8,691 scheduled and 5,198 non-scheduled cargo flight operations in 2003, according to the airport's annual report. Already the Middle East's busiest air-cargo hub, this result is expected to be more than good and has cemented the airport's position in the top rungs. The airport has witnessed a resurrection in passenger figures both in terms of flights operated and passenger throughput. In a statement to Wam, the Sharjah Civil Aviation's Director General, Dr Ghanem Al Hajri said, Sharjah is ideally the gateway to Arabia and the perfect, economic transit point on your way to the east or west. This theory is what is helping us and what we want our industry partners to know." He expects an overall increase of 4 to 5 per cent in the year 2004 and bigger increases in the years ahead. It appeared from the annual report that January, June, September and December had experienced the highest comparative increases, from year 2002 both in aircraft movements as well as passenger throughput. To Al Hajri, the overall comparative increase of nearly 22per cent in passenger movements in 2003 is an indication of passengers regaining their confidence to take air travel, this also states that the country is risk free for the travelling community. "It is the persistent effforts to maintain quality standards and drive to achieve the best from the worst that's leading the airport's performance," stated the Director of Administration and Commercial, Ali salem Al Midfa. According to him, pure foresight, planning effective management and hardwork facilitated development and improved commercial activity at Sharjah International Airport. "Sharjah International Airport's freight centre has envious plans and projections for the future. Attractive and rewarding days of the year 2003 have motivated the airport management to envisage an even better and prosperous year ahead," Dr Ghanem Al Hajri told Wam. He said as qualitative delivery of services was a priority with the airport, its efforts were brought to fruition with the achivement of ISO 9001 certification. "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", says the Director General of the airport. As for 2004 , graphs already shows climb in figures after the encouraging year 2003. January 2004 alone had a throughput of nearly 182,000 passengers, accounting for nearly 19 per cent increase in passenger movements from the same period last year. Cargo figures also showed improvement. Dr Ghanem Al Hajri said the airport houses one of the finest duty-free retail outlets where you can purchase electronics, watches, perfumes, spirits, food, toys and garments at the markets best rates. Sharjah airport serves its users with 3 such duty free outlels. As the sky is the limit for its officials, the Sharjah airport is heading for a massive expansion schedule which is bound to be completed in 2005. The passenger terminal will receive a major face-lift including various value additions within the terminal for passenger comfort, leisure and convenience . New 26 check-in counters (6 dedicated for Air Arabia) facilitates convenience and smooth functioning at the passenger terminal during busy times. Mr Hajri said thanks to Air Arabia, UAE's newest and third national carrier, Sharjah airport has witnessed an increase in passenger movement. Department of Civil Aviation introduced Air Arabia in October, 2003 introducing a new theme to air travel in the region. "Air Arabia introduces a new concept to the region which has proven successful in other parts of the world. Our overriding objective is to provide safe, efficient and affordable means of travel from/to Sharjah International Airport and points in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent," said Adel Ali, Air Arabia CEO. "We've ceated an airline that will grant travelling public the chance to enjoy the benefits of competitive fares, ease of booking and transparency of service," he added. "The passenger chech-in and chech-out time of the airport is a talk in the industry, as it takes just 10-15 minutes for the hassle-free-friendly procedures." he said. -Wam Back

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