Kuwait’s First Private Air Terminal Opened

By Ahmad Al-Khaled, Kuwait Times

Apr. 16–KUWAIT — Royal Aviation opened Kuwait’s first private fixed-based operation airport terminal yesterday at the Kuwait International Airport. “This project is in coordination with the desires of the state for privatization, economic and commerce development.” said Kuwait’s Director of Civil Aviation Fawaz Al-Farah at the opening ceremony noting, “We have already privatized other services in the airport.

The project, which consists of 130,000 square meters of property and is named the General Aviation Building, cost around KD 15 million to build, said Mubarak Al-Musteki, Chairman of Royal Aviation. He said, “the project is a BOT with a 20 year contract. It took us four years to build and we have 16 years left on our contract…we will provide services for private jets, air taxis, air ambulances, private charters, training, and more.

Current estimates made by the Middle East Business Aviation Association put the yearly private jet market at $500 million. Last month industry analysts projected the Middle East market will double in a few years. The International Air Transport Association predicts air traffic in the ME will increase at a rate of 7 percent per year. The Kuwait market is no exception with numerous private jet companies offering new services to and from Kuwait over the last few years.

The Royal Aviation Terminal will be operated by managing partner Mercury Air Group. Al-Musteki said, “Mercury Air Group is a leading international aviation company.” The company will offer air passengers Royal Touch service which will provide traditionally based Kuwaiti hospitality with a comprehensive meet and greet service, including private VIP and VVIP lounges. Added touches like ramp side shaded ports for passengers and aircraft set the standard for luxurious services. “The goal of the project is to e levate passenger services… up to international standards.” said Al-Musteki.

A wide range of services are being offered by Royal Aviation including aircraft line services like refueling, towing and cleaning. Keeping in line with the needs of private jet customers, complete Concierge services, including hotel and car arrangements as well as conference coordination are available. International passengers will be offered premier services including customs, Visas, and US Immigration coordination.

General Aviation will create jobs, have a high return on investments as well as assisting KIA (if need be) in emergency situations.” said Al-Musteki noting, “Revenues will come from commercial rental space inside the General Aviation building, aircraft fees, car parking fees along with minor aircraft maintenance fees.” He said, the passenger building housing the commercial space covers a total of 10,500 sq meters.

The complete General Aviation facility includes 90,000 sq meters of aircraft docking space. “It can house up to 29 aircraft.” said Al-Musteki of the terminal which began official operations on April 10.

—–

To see more of The Kuwait Times or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.kuwaittimes.net/.

Copyright (c) 2008, Kuwait Times

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

NASDAQ-OTCBB:MYAG,