AED120 billion investments in UAE airports

Aviation to contribute $88 billion to Dubai economy by 2030

Sheikh Ahmed:  Aviation in Dubai on a firm pedestal

Mohammed Ahli:  Laws be compatible with the changing times 

UAE tightens manned ballooning regulations

Sri Lanka allows flydubai seven extra flights 

Travel agents are still relevant: Air Malta CEO

Dubai, June 11, 2015: A staggering AED120 billion investments are in place in the airports development in the UAE whose airports last year handled over 101 million passengers including over 71 million by Dubai International Airport, said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and Chairman of Dubai Airports.  

Sheikh Ahmed, who is also the Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of Dubai World Central Corporation, said the investments were being made to meet the rising demand of passengers and cargo movements as the UAE emerges as the most-ideal global travel hub. 

In a message in the just-released June edition of Via Dubai (www.viadubaionline.com), the official bilingual newsletter of DCAA, he said the aviation industry in Dubai is on a firm pedestal due to the unbridled airport developments and fleet expansion by Emirates and flydubai.

“Our stakeholders have invested billions of dirhams in the industry in line with the vision of making aviation a major contributor to our Dubai’s unrivalled economic success story. The dramatic transformation of our aviation industry is a classic example of how well the industry is managed. In Dubai, we never sit idle, basking in our past achievements. Dubai is working its way to be the global travel hub for the 21st century,” he remarked.

By 2022, the world’s biggest airport will become a reality in the shape of Dubai World Central (DWC), of which Al Maktoum International Airport is a key component. When fully complete, the DWC will handle 220 million passengers. A planned expansion of Al Maktoum International’s passenger terminal will boost the airport’s capacity to reach a total of 26 million passengers per year by 2017.

The opening of Concourse D at the Dubai International Airport this year as part of the $7.8 billion expansion programme is expected to boost the airport's capacity to over 100 million passengers annually by 2020 when Dubai hosts the World Expo, the world’s third biggest global event after Olympics and FIFA World Cup. 

Aviation’s contribution to Dubai’s economy will increase to $88 billion by 2030.  To attract foreign investments for the DWC, a corporation has been recently set up.  Earlier, he has said that the emergence of Dubai as a leading global aviation centre is the result of a “carefully constructed and well executed” model which “effectively harnesses” the emirate’s geo-centric location and provides a “liberal” regulatory regime that fosters competition, business-friendly environment and a customer-centric focus. 

In his message, His Excellency Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of DCAA, said: “For the civil aviation to grow on sound lines, it is vital to have laws that are   compatible with the changing times.  Dubai is known globally for business-friendly and growth-oriented policies. To enhance airspace safety and maintain the hard-earned accomplishments, our aviation laws have been recently revised, taking into account several challenges and potential risks. The new law will go a long way in keeping our airspace ‘free and clear’ of potential safety hazards.”

In an exclusive interview,  H M C Nimalsiri, Director General and CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, said the bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the UAE have been strengthening and today about 90 flights per week are operated between the two countries. Sri Lanka has given permission to flydubai for operating seven extra flights immediately on a temporary basis. “Emirates has been helping in bringing tourists from various parts of the world. flydubai is bringing tourists from East Europe. About nine per cent of the air traffic at our airports comes from the EK,” he remarked. 

The 100-page bilingual newsletter in English and Arabic has a special report about the 15^th Airport Show which was opened by Sheikh Ahmed and where DCAA participated for the seventh successive year, showcasing the strengths and opportunities of the emirate’s dynamic aviation industry.

In the Opinion Section, Philip Micallef, CEO of Air Malta, said travel agents are still very relevant and sought after for their invaluable advice and expertise when bookings trips, whether for holiday, business or educational proposes. They are a key element of our sales initiatives.

Robert Goodwill, Minister for Aviation, United Kingdom, said aviation today contributes over £20 billion to the UK thanks to the competitive drive and that his government wants to see that contribution grow – in a sustainable way. 

Describing Changi International Airport as the Pride of Singapore, Lui Tuck Yew, Minister of Transport, Singapore, said the island-nation expects a long-term growth rate of three to four per cent for passenger traffic at Changi in the next two decades and intra-ASEAN open skies will boost Changi’s connectivity to this region.

Dr. Elijah Chingosho, Secretary General, Africa Airlines Association (AFRAA), in his opinion column, underscored the need for stimulating air connectivity in Africa and that a liberalized air transport will facilitate the growth and development of low cost carriers (LCCs).

Conceptualized, produced, marketed and promoted by Nadd Al Shiba PR & Event Management, the newsletter has latest news about DCAA, airlines, air traffic management, cargo and logistics, technology, Middle East, UAE and International.