Oman airports boss on global aviation panel

Muscat: Airports Council International (ACI) has selected Sheikh Aiman bin Ahmed Al Hosni, CEO of Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) to be one of the representing members for Asia and Pacific regions.
Airports Council International (ACI) is the only global trade representative of the world’s airports. Established in 1991, ACI represents the interests of airports with governments and international organisations, and also develops standards, policies and recommended practices for airports, and provides information and training opportunities to raise standards for airport operations throughout the world.
The selection of Sheikh Aiman bin Ahmed Al Hosni as a member of the Asia and Pacific area for ACI reflects the leadership and achievements made by Al Hosni in developing the performance of the Oman Airports Management Company at the administrative, operational and financial levels.The company supervises Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport, in addition to regional airports in Sohar and Duqm.
Al Hosni was appointed CEO at OAMC in May 2015, after working for three years as General Manager of Muscat International Airport. During this period, he supervised the development of the new airport and opening of its first phase, as a preparation for the official opening, after completing the operational readiness phases.
Al Hosni also managed the opening of Salalah Airport in June 2015.The two new airports will contributegreatlyin expandinglocal and international air travel, while supporting the continued growth of visitor arrivals for the local tourism sector.
Commenting on his selection as a member of the Airports Council International, Sheikh Al Hosni noted, “While we are proud of selecting Oman to represent this geographical area, which includes more than 210 airports, and we realise, at the same time, the size of this responsibility.We have to excel in our performance to meet global standards. We are ready for that, as the new strategy of the company aims to see Oman Airports become among the best 20 airports in the world by 2020. The collaborative efforts of our employees at OAMC to enhance our performance will reflect positively on the nation’s economy. Airports are the gateway to the world and play a key role as the main infrastructure in the transport sector,which is the backbone of the trade exchange.”
The Airport Council International is the only trade representative for airports around the world. It represents more than 1,850 airports, handling some 95 per cent of total air traffic throughout the world. It also plays a role in promoting excellence in managing airport operations.
“This achievement would not be possible without the wise guidance of the Board of Directors, and the commitment of the employees. I would like to thank them all for this great performance, which was the corner stone of highlighting Oman airports globally,” he added.
This accomplishment was the result of the collaboration between various government entities, including the Public Authority for Civil Aviation and Oman Air, under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, working together to fulfil the Government’s vision to diversify the economy. The realisation of this vision, however, depends upon the success of major sectors, such as tourism and logistics, which in turn rely heavily on the efficiency of a robust and reliable local infrastructure.
The strategic location of Oman at the heart of key trade and travel routes, underlines the growth potential forthe tourism and airlines sectors. Due to its strategic location, the Government of Oman adopted a future strategy for the Sultanate to become a global transit point for sea and air traffic. The government, in coordination with OAMC, is planning to establish regional airports compatible with the highest international standards.
Air traffic movement at Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport witnessed a significant increase in 2015. The number of passengers arriving at Muscat International Airport in 2015 rose 18 per cent, exceeding,for the first time,the milestone of 10 million passengers. Furthermore, Salalah’s newly inaugurated airport recorded over 1 million passengers, an increase of 22 per cent, owing to improved inbound and outbound tourism. Additionally, scheduled flights in Oman witnessed strong growth, with Muscat International Airport exceeding 95,000 flights, a rise of 15 per cent, while the Salalah Airport saw a surge of 21 per cent, reaching nearly 9,000 flights.