MARCH
14th 2023
The
Arab Aviation Summit, 2023 held at the Al-Hamra International and Exhibition
Center from March 14-16, 2023 became center stage to discussions regarding the
reduction of carbon emissions in the aviation sector, especially in the UAE.
With
a theme focusing on sustainability and its immediate effect on travel and
tourism as well as aviation innovations on the horizon, RAKDCA initiative for
sustainability was greatly appreciated.
The
development of the world’s first zero-emission aircraft to achieve the most
cost effective methods to decrease emissions substantially in the aviation,
travel and tourism sectors with trends and foreseeable future of airports was
integral to discussions that were debated in great length and provided some
viable options to move forward.
The
UAE will host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention
on Climate Change (COP28) in November 2023, to bring the world to agree on
rational and determined steps for addressing the need of the hour, that is the
climate change and its effects on our fragile planet. This is something that
not only world leaders have to take in to account immediately, but for all
members of society, who need to contribute towards the reversal of such
dangerous and disastrous chain of global calamities. This conference will make
sure that a clear plan of action is prepared and followed.
In
addition to this, the General Civil Aviation Authority in coordination with
RAKDCA have activated a specialized work team with the aim of supporting the
hosting process, and highlighting the efforts and progress of the aviation
sector in the field of climate change at the COPA 28 event in November, 2023.
H.E.
Engr. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al-Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil
Aviation and Ras Al-Khaimah International Airport, board member of General
Civil Aviation Authority & RAK Executive Council stated: “Ras Al-Khaimah
International Airport welcomed 340,000 passengers and a cargo movement of 3,500
tons last year. New airlines are showing a keen interest in the development and
growth of Ras Al-Khaimah emirate. European charters, Indigo Airlines from
India, Azur Air from Russia and Centrum Air from Uzbekistan are the new
entrants into Ras Al-Khaimah International Airport to enhance tourism
activities, while Air Arabia manages to increase its network and serves cities
in Pakistan, Bangladesh and other regional sectors. Vaayu group is launching
its new fleet of A320 P2F for leasing at our airport. They will also be able to
provide many other services like flight training & MROs. Action Flight is a
New Zealand based company with hot air balloon and parachuting activities to
entice the tourists and residents of RAK. With the announcement of Qatar
Airways starting their operation out of RAK in November of this year, it will
connect all over the world for residents, travelers and investors. A first of
its kind, Vports, an advanced air mobility project is being established at the
Airport that is aligned with Ras Al-Khaimah emirate’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy Strategy 2040 which coincides with the vision of His Highness Sheikh
Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al-Khaimah,
to achieve at least a 30% savings in electricity consumption and a 20%
contribution from renewable energy by 2040. We are in the process of signing
various MOUs followed by press conferences and announcements at the Arab
Aviation Summit.
As
we move in to unprecedented growth, and as operations and tour operators
increase at the airport, we will see more hotels, shopping malls, free zone
activity and many other elements creating the emirate of choice in the process.
To be at par with the ambitions of the emirate, an extensive expansion program
including passenger terminal building, public transport infrastructure, duty
free shopping, corporate aviation areas and cargo terminal will be underway to
make room for the growing demands originating from all over the world.
This
growth and development brings it all together, as RAKDCA’s prominent role within
the COPA 28, GCAA initiative and the Arab Aviation Summit is geared towards a
monumental moment in history. We are seeing a deep concern and the ambition to
rectify the damage through concrete steps taken by members of society as well
as world leaders. The Arab Aviation Summit has provided us a platform for
detailed discussions on pragmatic solutions for the aviation industry’s role in
reducing carbon emissions and providing future generations with a planet they
can be proud of. I pledge my necessary support in all its local, regional and
global initiatives to enable, develop and grow sustainability in the country
and beyond. Through constructively working together, we will be able to bring
about positive change in the climate issue, become a global center for a
sustainable and green economy.”
Ralf
Schustereder, CEO, Ras Al-Khaimah International Airport stated “Ras Al-Khaimah
International Airport expects significant growth of passenger numbers through
its new acquisitions of Qatar Airways, IndiGo Airlines, growing Air Arabia
number of flights and expected charter tourism flights. Accommodating this
growth, enhancing passenger service level and addressing passenger needs, Ras
Al-Khaimah International Airport will refurbish its departure and arrival terminals
in 2023.”
In
addition, Stanislav Bujnovsky, CCO, Ras Al-Khaimah International Airport
announced proudly, “A newly announced Qatar Airways daily flights to our
airport will connect the Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah to vast world-wide network
of Qatar Airways and thereby boosting tourism and business. The airport is
becoming a main gateway to the Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah and a driver of
economic growth.”
Ralf
Schustereder clearly expressed “We constantly seek new opportunities and
innovative business models. Therefore, we welcome signature of MOU with
ambitious and futuristic project of Vports. Great cooperation with the Ras Al-Khaimah
Tourism Development Authority is resulting into more and more charter flights
coming to our airport to satisfy the increasing demand and development of tourism
in the Emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah. In terms of cargo, Ras Al-Khaimah
International Airport takes pride into specializing in growing live-animal
cargo flights with three different airlines bringing live-animal flights to our
specialized facilities.
A very thorough and ambitious cargo project
with Vaayu group will start a new cargo transshipment project at our airport
with basing of up to 6 cargo aircrafts in the next 5 years. We believe with all
the new development and all stakeholders support, there is a bright future for
Ras Al-Khaimah International Airport.
Despite
all the activities and exploring various options, one clear target is there for
our aviation world, that is mandatory and needs attention and therefore solutions:
how to minimize the emissions footprint and take clear commitment for
sustainability. The projects just recently identified and for 2023 scheduled
will give us at the end almost 40% savings on the P&L.”