Baha Hadid

Q. What is the brief history of Hadid International Services?

A. Hadid International Services has developed over the past 25 years into a dynamic specialist supplying expert aviation services, including landing permits, ground handling services, fuelling and flight planning for hundreds of clients across the world.

More recently, we have developed our portfolio of capabilities to provide all aspects of aviation services including, aircraft leasing & purchase, passenger, cargo and VIP charter.

Our start in 1980 was a humble one; there were only two employees, a telephone line, and a telex. It has taken a huge amount of hard work, dedication and long-term vision to achieve what we have now - five global offices, over 100 staff, 1,000 customers and 2,200 agents in 132 countries.

Q. Why have you chosen to be a sponsor at Dubai Air Show 2005?

A. Sponsoring the Dubai Air Show 2005 gives us the unique opportunity to celebrate our 25 years of business heritage together with our partners and customers at the region's leading aviation event.

It also allows us to demonstrate to our prime audience how we can support them with their most critical business issues; from how to reduce costs for fuel and aircraft handling, to how to execute flight planning and operations more efficiently.

Q. So what are your plans for the next 25 years?

A. Strategically, we believe in building awareness of our brand on a global scale rather than being perceived purely as a Middle East company. We are currently looking to expand into new markets and are assessing a number of opportunities across Europe, Africa and the Far East where we can assist the growth in new airlines and charter operators.

From a service outlook, our philosophy of continuous improvement remains part of our goal to develop the business and achieve better services which meet the needs of our valued customers.

Q. How do you differentiate yourself from the other operators in the region?

A. Our customer satisfaction rates are testament to our core differentiator - service. We believe in being more than just a service provider, but ensuring we always meet our clients' requirements, however untimely or complex, and to provide added value at every opportunity.

More importantly, these levels of service are transferred to the benefit of the client as we focus on supporting the growth of start up airlines by providing excellent credit facilities for fuelling. Examples of such clients include Phoenix, Air West and Air Arabia who have all benefited from our services in order to release cash flow and grow their fleet.

The longevity and profile of our customers such as Chapman Freeborn, Royal Jets and Air Arabia demonstrates our dedication to the values of commitment, professionalism and cost effectiveness which have not changed over the past quarter century.

Q. Has the focus of your business shifted to the UAE or will it always be based in Syria?

A. The business was set up to serve the aviation industry in the Middle East, however we believe in responding to meet market needs which is why we established the new headquarters in Dubai two years ago. The major draw of Dubai is its cosmopolitan workforce and for the fact that Dubai is a major aviation hub.

We have also identified other growth areas in Africa and Europe where we have representative offices, and hope to be announcing further expansion with two more global offices.