RAK Airport reports positive growth in passengers and performance

At a presentation this morning, the airport said that its operations performance had reached a 98% achievement rate, and aircraft movements, duty-free sales and cargo tonnage had also shown positive growth.

“Our accomplishments in 2012 are the fruits of a focused and unique business strategy based on a stakeholder analysis approach,” said CEO Andrew Gower. “And 2012, in spite of being just the first year of operations under a new management team, such accomplishments have already exceeded our expectations.”

During the early months of 2012, a new management team headed by Gower was appointed at RAK International Airport with a clear mandate of expanding the airport’s operations. Other appointees included Mohammed Qazi as Commercial & Finance Director, Michael Coe as the Development Director and Terry Sloan as the Head of Operations.

Apart from the new management appointees, RAK  Airport also awarded a ground handling operations contract to National Aviation Services (NAS), which now provides a comprehensive ground handling service that includes ramp handling, check-in, arrival, transit and cargo services. In addition, Pearl Assist, NAS’s worldwide network of lounge and meet and assist services has also been made available at RAK International Airport.

In addition, RAK was also the first commercial airport in the UAE to have partnered with Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) – the first UAE-based leading provider of professional aerospace services – for the provision of comprehensive air traffic services (ATS). This partnership highlights the availability of globally acceptable, local ATS providers of international standards to UAE airports. These include a full array of air traffic control services – from manning to the analysis of standards, procedures and facilities at the airport. “This partnership ensures that operational requirements are met and that maximum effort is made to ensure flight safety,” Gower said.

The airport is positioning itself as a viable alternative to Dubai International.

“Being just 45 minutes from Dubai is a huge advantage for passengers travelling to & from RAK International Airport. The proximity to favoured destinations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi through road and air links from RAK Airport is quite attractive making Ras Al Khaimah a northern gateway to the country,” Qazi (right) told Arabian Aerospace.  The commercial packages being offered to airlines and other aviation associated businesses, are believed to be the best in the region. And as well as the development of new routes, RAK has made improvements to its tour service and in-terminal facilities, including the opening of a new business lounge, a café, and a substantial increase of its duty-free offerings.

The airport has relatively quieter skies and ample take-off and landing slots with no restrictions,” Gower said. “And as we continue to explore new opportunities and markets, we listen to these markets and adapt to the changes of an ever-evolving aviation industry.”