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Since June
24 Gulf Air has launched flights from Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) International Airport to over 50 international
destinations.
H. E. Engr. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman, Department of
Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah said that the new flights will establish connectivity
between Ras Al Khaimah and the international business and leisure destinations.
"This is a step towards securing RAK International Airport's position as an ideal
transit and re-distribution point for regional and international business
travellers, as well as to capture an ever larger share of the international tourism and
business traffic. RAK International Airport has recorded a growth of over 20 per
cent between 1999 and 2003; we are confident that our direct flights to these
international destinations will help us gain an even bigger market-share," he
stated.
"We are currently implementing an aggressive plan to position Ras Al Khaimah
on the international tourism and business map. Having a state-of the art
airport with regular connections to major international airports flights
is a part of this strategy. We are committed to offering visitors to Ras
Al Khaimah the best possible environment and facilities, be it for business
or for a holiday," he stated.
James Hogan, President and Chief Executive of Gulf Air stated: "Gulf Air
has been at the forefront in establishing strong networks between hitherto
untapped destinations and the rest of the world. Ras al Khaimah, with its
strategic growth plans, is poised to take up a significant share of the region's business and tourist
market, and we are glad to partner with them in this journey."
Ras Al Khaimah is stepping up efforts to emerge as an important destination
in the Middle East for travellers from all over the world. The airport has recorded a
growth of over 20 per cent between 1999 and 2003. An ambitious Dhs. 60 million
expansion plan was launched last year, that involves extension of the runway,
installation of state of the art equipment, setting up new facilities such as
Automated Cargo Warehouses, Parking Lots, Offices and Restaurants and other
projects in the near future such as the new Airport Hotel, Arrival and Departure
Lounge and a Free Trade Zone. The airport recently received ISO 9001-2000
certification, the second GCC airport to earn such recognition. The RAK government has also introduced a convenient
visit-visa system for the family members of all UAE residents.
Gulf Air's network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers more than 45
cities in 32 countries, besides an extensive regional network. The airline's
fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 34 aircraft.
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