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SCMP Reporter

THE striking triple-domed complex that makes up Sharjah International Airport is one of the United Arab Emirate's (UAE) architectural landmarks and an excellent example of modern Islamic design.

  However, the airport is not only noteworthy for its appearance; it has registered dramatic growth in cargo and passenger traffic in recent years.

 It is said to be the fastest-growing airport in the region and claims the leading position in the UAE sea-air business and the largest cargo apron in the area.

 'The focus has been on cargo,' said Ghanem M. Al Hajri, general manager of the airport, adding that it appeared to have paid rich dividends, largely to the 'self-handling' concept that the airport had introduced.

  In a bid to bring in more airlines, the airport allows companies to do their own handling.

  It has proved a successful idea, with 46 non-scheduled and nine scheduled cargo flights out of Sharjah.

  Freight movements have also jumped dramatically, rising from 28,822 tonnes in 1990 to 76,996 tonnes in 1993 and 103,546 tonnes last year.

   Of the total freight handled last year, sea-air accounted for 16,115 tonnes - up from about 12,000 tonnes the previous year.

  On the passenger front, the trend is also proving positive.

   Mr Hajri said: 'There was a certain dip in passenger traffic [earlier] because of restrictions on visas, but all that has been sorted out and passenger traffic is back climbing [particularly] more so after the introduction of a new rule to issue visas on arrival for passengers from certain countries.'    Sharjah now has 34 scheduled and 33 non-scheduled commercial flights operating out of the airport.

  To cope with the increased growth, Dh40 million (about HK$84.94 million) was invested recently to add on a variety of facilities. These include new terminal buildings, a 74,000-square-metre warehouse and four additional aircraft parking areas.

  On the passenger side, improved facilities will include four additional lounges - bringing the total to seven. Four new parking areas for passenger aircraft have been added, bringing the total to 11 - plus the service aprons.

  Lufthansa has noted the increased importance of Sharjah and made the airport its regional centre.

   'Negotiations are taking place with some major airlines,' Mr Hajri said, adding that he expected the outcome to be positive.

  He said the airport's liberal policies and 'open traffic rights', lower handling costs, less congestion and adaptability to client requirements were the main reasons for its growing popularity.

  Sharjah was the first emirate in the UAE to have its own airport. In 1932, British Imperial Airways built an airport to use as a stop-over on its Europe-Asia route.

   During World War II, Sharjah became a British Royal Air Force base. Construction of the present airport began much later, in 1975, and was inaugurated in 1977.

   There were other firsts in the emirate's aviation's history. In 1980, Sharjah became the first airport in the area to bring in tourist traffic. It was also the first to operate a charter from Germany.

  For now, sea-air occupies pride of place at Sharjah airport.

   'UAE is the only country in Asia to provide large-scale sea-air facilities. Singapore does but on a much smaller scale,' Mr Hajri said.

   He said Hong Kong, China and the Far East in general would become increasingly important trading partners with the UAE.

   'Already a large proportion of our domestic imports are from that region,' he said.

  To emphasise the importance of sea-air, an international conference - Sea-Air: Widening Horizons - will be hosted by Sharjah Airport on May 24 and 25.

   Elliot Avery, technical services manager at Sharjah Airport, said between 250 and 300 delegates from all over the world, in addition to local and regional delegates, were expected to attend.

   Passenger traffic, however, is not being neglected. From this month, Sharjah Airport will mount a major promotion for its passenger routes.

  Working in conjunction with some major airlines, all travellers using the airport will be entitled to free coupons allowing them to take part in raffle.

  Prizes on offer include cars worth Dh50,000 and more than 20 airline tickets. A special family raffle could bring a family of two adults and two children US$2,500, plus four tickets to a destination of their choice.



Prosperous airport makes its mark