RAK Airport announces the 5 year Plan

Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman of Department of Civil Aviation and RAK International Airport, said the plan will see new equipment, facilities and construction.

"There will be new arrival and departure lounges, a Free Trade Zone, automated cargo warehouses, parking lots, offices and restaurants.

The RAK International Airport obtained the ISO-9001-2000 certificate and became the second GCC airport to earn the certification."

Various projects are underway to supplement the growth of the airport such as the new Airport Hotel, new departure and arrival lounges and new runway.

"Ras Al Khaimah National Travel Agency," he said, "has got the government approval to issue visit visas to all UAE residents irrespective of their income."

"The airport authorities are currently negotiating with three major Iranian travel agencies so that the airport is given the right to issue Iranian visas."

"As the world is transforming into a global village, and due to lifting of trade blocks, countries will have to open up borders and attract foreign investment by developing its service sector to meet the market needs.

In order to secure a market share in the region, Ras Al Khaimah should become a transit and re-distribution point to serve the regional and international businesses.

Sheikh Salem introduced the new corporate identity:
* The falcon has been used as the UAE symbol.
* The silver lining represents the runway facilities catering to all types of international carrier landings.
* The white lines formulate into a falcon where the beak represents the nose of a wide body aircraft.
* The silver eye represents focused but dynamic vision towards a brighter future for Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE in broader spectrum.
* The boxed logo represents solid total commitment to customers, employees, and commodities.

Sheikh Salem stressed that the new annual airport book features the complete infrastructure of Ras Al Khaimah. The book guides the reader through Ras Al Khaimah with an easy map to the city and highlights areas of interest.

The plan will be financed by the Ras Al Khaimah Government, the Civil Aviation Department and also from a private company which will build a five star hotel.

Based on safety, security and operations Ras Al Khaimah and other UAE airports will be licensed by an international body in March this year," said Sheikh Salem. "Ras Al Khaimah airport has already submitted the first draft for the licensing."

The RAK International Airport has registered impressive annual growth rates of 20% for four years in succession. This has placed the airport in a position of strength to aggressively evolve as a sought after destination in the Emirates.