Fujairah expects three airlines by 2010

The airport, strategically located on the east coast of the UAE, handles 50 chartered flights daily and does not have any commercial passenger airlines at the airport, but can handle two million passengers annually.

“The discussion is underway with three airlines to uplift passengers from the airport,” said General Manager of the airport, Khaled Almazroui.

Without disclosing the name of the airlines he said: “We are in advanced stages and the airlines will get passengers from the whole east cost including Qalba, Dibba, Khurfakan and some portion of Oman.

“Another big advantage for any airline is that we are 30 to 40% cheaper compared to Dubai and Sharjah.  We are very competitive in terms of landing, ground handling and parking charges,” he added.

The airport generates 90% of revenue from cargo, while the remainder comes from passenger services, he said.  In 2008, the airport recorded 80% increase in cargo movements compared to 2007. In the first quarter of 2009, aircraft movements and passenger numbers grew 13%, while cargo business witnessed a 17% growth.

Fujairah airport has a 22-year master plan starting from 2003 with three prime objectives including passenger flights, cargo facility and MRO.

“We are starting construction work on a MRO facility within the next two months and it will take a year,” he said.

After completion, the airport will be able provide maintenance for Western, in addition to the current services for Russian aircraft.