Sharjah Aviation Services launched to support expansion of Sharjah Airport

Sharjah Aviation Services will deliver a comprehensive range of passenger, ramp and cargo handling services for airline operators and their customers at Sharjah Airport.

Sharjah Aviation Services is a joint venture between the Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation and Air Arabia, the low-cost carrier based at Sharjah Airport.

Passenger traffic at Sharjah Airport increased more than 36 per cent last year, and the facility received more than 3 million passengers. Following the imminent completion of an AED 350 million expansion project at Sharjah Airport, the airport will be capable of handling up to 8 million passengers a year from 2007.

Announcing the creation of Sharjah Aviation Services, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, who is also Chairman of Air Arabia, said:

"Sharjah Airport continues to offer new and improved facilities and services, including a new state-of-the-art terminal and ground-handling provider. Through Sharjah Aviation Services, we will ensure that both airline operators and their customers continue to turn to Sharjah as an international gateway to the UAE, Gulf and wider region."

He added: "The support of the Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, has been critical to the successful expansion of Sharjah Airport and, specifically, to the launch of Sharjah Aviation Services. We are extremely grateful for his support and guiding vision."

Dr. Ghanem Al Hajri, Chairman of Sharjah Aviation Services, said: "Sharjah Aviation Services was created to ensure that, in the midst of this period of landmark expansion, the quality of service at Sharjah Airport remains second to none. With more airlines, customers and cargo, Sharjah Aviation Services will respond effectively to the new needs and expectations of all our partners and clients."

Adel Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: "Our customers rightly demand even higher and more efficient levels of service from both Air Arabia and Sharjah Airport. We are confident that Sharjah Aviation Services will help secure that reputation for safe, secure, efficient and customer-focused operations."