M a r c h 2 0 1 3 | Qatar Today
What will be the challenges for the QCAA with the new airport launch? The main challenges will be to manage a facility of that size efficiently and to ensure the integration of commercial, corporate, and other organisations that operate in the airport. Since HIA is equipped with stateof-the-art technology, it needs constant vigilance against hackers and malfunctioning; other elements include updating software and annual maintenance of all equipment. Another challenge will be implementing the necessary training system for all departments to communicate, interact and relay messages and work as a team. What makes Qatar the perfect aviation hub in the region? Qatar’s strategic location in the Middle East region makes it a natural geographic link between the global East and West. As a result it is emerging as an attractive location for many political, economic and intellectual groups and is also the venue for political forums, international conferences, world-class conventions, and cultural as well as international festivals. The period of great expansion and accelerated growth that Qatar is undergoing contributes to the country becoming a focal point for culture, knowledge and business for the 21st century. In addition, our national carrier Qatar Airways travels to over 100 destinations, which opens up more opportunities and increases the number of passengers passing through Doha. The HIA is fully geared to be an aviation hub that will be able to cater for 50 million passengers per year (at full capacity), with both runways allowing for a traffic capacity of 100 aircraft movements per hour.
Does it matter that there are other hubs in close proximity? How does it affect competition? The GCC region has recorded investment to the tune of QR328 billion ($90 billion) in the setting up, refurbishment and expansion of airport infrastructure. Every country in the region is in the process of expanding its air, road and sea transport and cargo handling facilities, as demand grows for goods and services from across the world. According to this fact, we will witness a number of world-class airports competing to provide the highest level of services related to the aviation industry, retail business, travelling standards and cargo facilities. Will the QCAA look at encouraging more private entities within the Airport? The QCAA certainly looks at encouraging more private entities within the airport, according to the framework and standards set by the Council of Ministers. The Middle East cargo market has remained relatively robust, growing 8.2% during 2011 and more than 15% in 2012. How do you think having the new facilities will help improve this market? Across the Middle East region there is an increase in investment in various infrastructure projects. The Emir’s National Vision 2030 has outlined the ambitious plans for Qatar. In addition, there is a growing focus on manufacturing in the region. These developments have a significant impact on the growth of the cargo market. Qatar has carefully studied this growth and planned for the cargo facilities at the new airport accordingly. The opening capacity of the Cargo Terminal is 1.4 million metric tonnes per year, with full capacity set to increase to 2.5 million metric tonnes.
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), the operator of Abu Dhabi’s five airports, revealed that Abu Dhabi Duty Free retail revenue reached AED809.5 million in 2012, an increase of 24% over 2011. How will Doha compete with this? We very much admire the UAE’s unique and long experience in the domain of developing duty free retail. The equation is governed by the percentage of passengers who use airports’ duty free markets and the way it is presented and promoted. The experience of Qatar in this field has come a long way and it is growing rapidly. When the aviation sector is going through a lean phase globally, how is it that all the Middle East airlines post positive results. What is the reasoning and do you think this is a sustainable growth for all the hubs? The growth rate in the Middle East has been affected to a large extent by the world crisis, but it did not stop. Positive or negative growth is influenced by both the situation of world markets as well as the political stability of each country. I think that the growth rate will match the increased needs of these markets. There has been an allegation by a private entity that operates within the Doha International Terminal that its growth is being hampered by the Authority. How do you respond to that allegation? The QCAA is responsible for regulating aviation operations and managing the aviation hubs in the State of Qatar has the right and the full authority to take the appropriate action in case any airline company operating within the Doha International Airport breaks rules and regulations.
Passenger Terminal Complex
600,000 sq m 41
3 29 ha
terminal
central utility plants
contact gates
lagoon
3,450 6,900 sq mt
car parking SPACES
transportation facility
100 88
limousine staging CAPACITY
passenger loading bridges
49