Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Deputy Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), chaired the meeting of the Executive Council on Tuesday morning, in the Ruler’s Office.

The meeting discussed several topics on its agenda related to developing government work and following up on the progress of work in various development projects in all cities and regions of the Emirate of Sharjah.

The council reviewed a report on the progress of expansion work on Sharjah International Airport (SIA), which included the completed initial stages of the project, such as several facilities related to fuel-filling, recycling and treatment, in addition to modern areas and equipment.

The report also included the phases being implemented in cooperation with many strategic partners and the future phases. This will consist of new buildings, an integrated road network and parking lots, in addition to service and operational structures, to contribute significantly to the growth of passenger traffic at the airport.

The council commended the efforts of the Sharjah International Airport Authority for working on its expansion and development and providing the best and fastest services for passengers and airlines.

The council discussed a draft Decree-Law on the organisation of the Municipal Affairs Department in the emirate. After the members expressed their observations on the project, the council directed the completion of the legislative session to issue the Decree-Law.

 Sharjah Airport has witnessed a 142.74 per cent rise in the passenger traffic during the first half of 2022, accounting for approximately 6 million travellers. This substantial growth from 2,449 million travellers in H1 2021 illustrates the confidence that customers have in the service and assistance provided by the airport. Additionally, the airport saw a considerable growth in the number of flights, with a total of 41,189 aircrafts operating in H1 compared to 21,709 in the same period of last year, registering an increase of 89.73%.

Between January and June, Sharjah Airport handled over 96,000 tonnes of cargo, accounting for an increase of 50.39%, compared to 63,844 tonnes the previous year.

 Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “The considerable growth in the number of travellers using our airport solidifies the Emirate of Sharjah as a preferred destination for travel and business. The figures also represent the confidence and trust that a large number of travelers place in Sharjah Airport. Our continuous efforts to offer leading innovative services and gaining the satisfaction of passengers guarantee a safe and distinguished travel experience. This is mainly achieved in collaboration with our strategic partners, the various stakeholder and service providers at Sharjah Airport, as well as the key role of the airline community, including Air Arabia, the UAE national carrier based in Sharjah Airport, who has successfully recommenced their operations to various destinations in their network, which has resulted in the growing number of passengers in the Airport.”

“As part of our efforts to position Sharjah Airport as one of the best airports in the region, Sharjah Airport Authority is eager to invest in smart services and solutions that meet the highest international standards, in order to attract more foreign airlines, strengthen our strategic alliances, and maintain the steady rise in the number of passengers.

Al Midfa further added: “As a result of increased demand for travel through Sharjah Airport, particularly in light of the expansion of the network of destinations served by the airport, the positive growth in travel rates is expected to continue in the second half of 2022 as well.”

Sharjah Airport Authority is relentlessly working towards achieving its strategy, aimed at improving the travel experience of the passengers and enhancing the airport’s competitiveness at regional and global levels, by launching more innovative initiatives that provide a more comfortable, smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

 Meanwhile, The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed progress by States towards a long-term aspirational goal (LTAG) of net-zero aviation carbon emissions by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement’s temperature objectives. This is noted in the summary of discussions for the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) High Level Meeting held in preparation for the 41st ICAO Assembly later this year.

“The ICAO High Level Meeting’s support of a long-term goal for States that is in line with the aviation sector’s net-zero by 2050 commitment is a step in the right direction. A formal agreement at the 41st ICAO Assembly would underpin a common approach by states to decarbonise aviation. That’s critical for the aviation industry. Knowing that government policies will support the same goal and timeline globally will enable the sector, especially its suppliers, to make the needed investments to decarbonise,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director-General.

In October 2021, IATA member airlines committed to net zero emissions by 2050. The path to achieve this will involve a combination of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), new propulsion technology, infrastructure and operational efficiencies, and carbon offsets/carbon capture to fill any gaps.