22-May-2012 9:18 AM

TransOman 2012 focuses on Civil Aviation development

Direct News Source

21-May-2012 - Keeping in line with Oman's Vision 2020, the development of air transport in Oman not only contributes to enhancing the country's Civil Aviation sector, but also contributes to the growth of the tourism and logistics sector.

Airports in Oman come under the auspices of the Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) presided by the Ministry of Transport and Communication, a sole shareholder of the same. While OAMC currently operates Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport, the year 2014 sees the completion of four regional airports at Sohar, Duqm, Adam and Ras Al Hadd as well as expansion programmes for Muscat International and Salalah Airport.

The $1.8bn Muscat International Airport Expansion Project includes expansion of the existing terminal and the construction of a new terminal. The project will take place in four phases, the starting oh which will see passengers of the existing terminal increase to 12 million (phase1) and consecutively to 24 million (phase 2), 36 million (phase 3) and 48 million (phase 4) passengers. A new runway and new airport and catering facilities will also be a part of the project. The new airport terminal will be constructed to handle 12 million passengers annually and feature a cargo terminal which will be able to encompass 260,000 tons of cargo annually. The terminal by way of easing passenger flow, will pave the way for comfortable and luxurious traveling as well. The Muscat International Airport Expansion Project is the largest project undertaken in the history of the Sultanate.

In addition to being Oman's major trans-shipment hub, Salalah is also seeing an increase in air traffic, courtesy to its busy port activities and its popularity as a major tourist destination for the Khareef and Salalah festivals. The Salalah Airport Development Project involves the construction of a new passenger terminal designed to handle 2 million passengers annually with the futuristic intention of increasing passenger capacity to 6 million annually. The new terminal will also include an air cargo terminal designed to handle 1,00,000 tons per year as part of its current design while future expansion will it handling 4,00,000 tons. The project also includes the upgradation of the existing runway and taxiway system as part of its expansion plans.

The surge in demand for domestic flights and increase of international passengers are the main drivers for the construction of the new regional airport facilities at Sohar, Duqm, Adam and Ras Al Hadd. All four airports are being built with different intents but with the similar purpose of attracting international visitors. The Sohar and Duqm Airport looks to attract passengers to their industrial ports. The Ras Al Hadd Airport located next to Sur targets tourists attracted to Sur's turtle breeding site and the Adam Airport aims to improve its connectivity to the city's capital. The completion of said airports in 2014 could provide as many as 4000 jobs to Omani nationals.

The 3rd TransOman Conference taking place from 28th- 29th May, 2012 at the Grand Hyatt includes a special presentation from Oman Airport Management Company Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Vic Allen on the "Emerging Opportunities for Aviation Business in Oman" with special emphasize on the logistics sector.