Muscat: World's top decision-makers in the management of airports will come to Oman to discuss the challenges facing the aviation sector and discuss the future of the airport sector in the light of the global growth and the increasing demand for international travel.
The International Airport Exchange Conference and Exhibition organised by the Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC) will be held on December 5 at Oman Convention and Exhibition Center under the theme "Leading Airports towards Operational Excellence, Profitability and Customer Service" and will last for three days.
Speaking at a press conference at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Ayman bin Ahmed Al Hosani, CEO of OAMC said: "The Airport Exchange Conference and Exhibition is the biggest event for (Airport Council International (ACI), adding that OAMC seeks to highlight the services, systems and features which are available in all Omani airports, as well as marketing and tourism promotion of the Sultanate.
He added that the conference has received great attention from governments in the Middle East, as the number of participants so far has reached 1,500 people and 50 exhibitors and the participation of 120 speakers in the sessions of the conference, adding that the conference will give strength and support to the aviation sector in the Sultanate.
He said that the conference will include four sessions dealing with the issue of airport operation, digital innovation, data, security, crisis management and airport development, adding that Oman Airports Management Company will participate with several papers in each theme.
In response to the question of the idea of holding the exhibition in Muscat, he said that OAMC requested the organisation of the conference and exhibition in the Sultanate two years ago and it got the approval in view of the government's support and development of the civil aviation sector.
In response about the passengers' growth rate at Muscat international Airport he said "The airport has recently named the fastest growing airports in the Middle East, and the number of passengers expected to use Muscat International Airport will reach 14 million passengers by the end of this year,".
He added that Salalah airport is expected to be among the top ten airports in the world at the level of 2,800,000 passengers, which will be announced in the first quarter of next year.
He explained that the number of passengers through Sohar Airport reached 10,000 passengers per month, adding that the facilities that were granted led to an increase in air traffic to Sohar Airport, including reduction of the landing and parking fees at the airport, pointing out that there are other airlines that will operate flights to Sohar Airport.