'The Institute of Transport Management (ITM) – London has named Sharjah International Airport best Global Airport of the year' .

The award was made by ITM Director, Patrick Sheedy at a prestigious awards ceremony at the London Hilton. The ceremony was attended by leading figures from the aviation industry with presentations from Kevin Bruce, Director of Marketing at Boeing and Professor Arne Holdo, Head of University of Hertfordshire School of Aerospace, Automotive and Design.

ITM Director Dr John Burke said, “I am delighted to announce Sharjah International Airport as Global Airport of the Year for their unique business initiatives and successes, especially with their introduction of the first new-concept airline in the Gulf and North African region and its huge success. Their marketing efforts to generate traffic were unique especially in this highly competitive market. Feedback from leading airlines was exceptional in its praise of standards of service provided by the airport. Sharjah’s on going commitment to excellent and efficient customer service and facilities, backed by heavy investment in its infrastructure continues to set enviable standards for airports worldwide.” Dr Burke added, “I wish to congratulate Sharjah on this unprecedented achievement which places Sharjah Airport as the world leaders in customer service”.

The Director General of Sharjah International Airport Dr. Ghanem Al Hajri thanked ITM for the mark of distinction and said “Sharjah International Airport will continue to do the best for the community in the form of services and hospitality; and be a steady partner in the business of Air-Travel – through the partner Airlines and our staff; our services are cost effective and of the highest quality”. Dr. Ghanem, on behalf of the Dept. of Civil Aviation and Sharjah Airport Authority thanked ITM for this recognition and said that it was a real honour to be among the best of bests.

The Institute of Transport Management, founded in 1977, and the recognised accreditation body for the transport industry covering land, sea and air, undertook over 7,500 hours of research into standards of excellence at more than 200 airports worldwide before naming Sharjah Airport as the winner for the year 2005.