Gower: “It’s great getting up every morning and coming to work. The improvements we have seen already are dramatic, and a lot of this comes from the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi (Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Member of the Supreme Council).”
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) International Airport has a dynamic team in place that is delivering the expansion objectives outlined in its master plan. Andrew Gower became CEO 18 months ago and speaks with enthusiasm about the airport’s development: “It’s great getting up every morning and coming to work. The improvements we have seen already are dramatic, and a lot of this comes from the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi (Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Member of the Supreme Council).”
RAK’s vision is to be a successful world-class airport, contributing to the long-term growth and prosperity of the airport, the emirate and its people. Passenger numbers are growing impressively; throughput is forecast to reach 500,000 in 2013 – a +24% increase in the two years since 2011.
Key elements of the master plan include increasing terminal capacity by 140%; seven new departure gates; a 40% increase in retail space with new duty free stores; a new food court; a business lounge; and increased car parking. Maximising non-aeronautical revenues is a big focus and efforts in this area are showing positive results; average passenger spend has risen to AED90 (€20) – an impressive +76% increase in the last 12 months.
“The expansion will increase the capacity of the terminal building to one million passengers per year,” explained Gower, adding that the terminal developments will all be complete by May 2013.
ARINC is implementing multiple airport systems at RAK Airport. This involves the design, supply and installation of ARINC’s core suite of airport passenger processing solutions, as well as advanced airport operational systems, and includes state-of-the-art common use passenger processing systems (CUPPS) and boarding operations at the expanding airport.
The airport is also exploring the introduction of offsite hotel check-in and bag drop as a way to further enhance the travel experience. “This would mean that investment in the check-in halls could be put into family friendly facilities in the terminal. We want to put the fun back into flying,” commented Gower.
Developments are not confined to the terminal building itself – airfield facilities are being enhanced with new hangars and a new fuel farm, which will be complete in Q3 this year.
Strategic location and tourist gateway
Maximising non-aeronautical revenues is a big focus for RAK Airport. Its master plan includes expansion of the retail and F&B areas. The Traveller’s Bar recently opened in the departures area.
RAK Airport has a 3,760m long runway that is capable of handling all aircraft types. It also has no slot restrictions. Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location between East and West makes it potentially attractive for transfer traffic, and it is also a tourist gateway to the Emirates, with many luxury holiday resorts nearby. Indeed, the journey from RAK to Dubai takes only 45 minutes.
The airport is committed to supporting home carrier RAK Airways, which grew impressively in 2012. The airline carried more than 300,000 passengers last year – a +47% increase year-on-year. In October, RAK Airways launched services between Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabu, becoming the first UAE national carrier to operate a domestic route.
Both the airport and airline are playing an important role in the development and growth of Ras Al Khaimah. With clear prospects for continued airport growth in the dynamic Gulf region, RAK Airport is demonstrating its commitment to providing quality facilities and services to meet those future air transport needs.
