Qatar prepares for opening of Hamad international airport

Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) Chairman Abdul Aziz Al Noiami has affirmed that the State of Qatar is ready to welcome a new chapter in the country's remarkable aviation industry with preparations well underway for the (1 April) first phase opening of the new Hamad International Airport to be operated by national carrier Qatar Airways. Details of the soft launch opening were unveiled to an audience of more than 100 airport officials and airline executives in Doha today at an event jointly organised by Qatar Airways, the Hamad International Airport s Operational Readiness and Airport Transition (ORAT) team and Qatar s Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA). QCAA Chairman Abdul Aziz Al Noiami, spelled out the plans for the airport s readiness, in which Qatar Airways will play a pivotal role. The first phase of the US$15.5 billion project involves 12 international passenger airlines becoming the launch carriers of the new facility from 1 April. These include low-cost airlines. Qatar Airways will move its entire operations to Hamad International Airport in the second half of the year. Until recently, the airport was known under the project working name New Doha International Airport (NDIA). Qatar Airways will work closely with the first movers to ensure a smooth transition of flights from the current Doha International Airport. With the phased approach, Doha will have a dual airport operation until full operations begin at Hamad International in the second half of 2013,  Al Noiami said in his address before the meeting attendants. Abdul Aziz Al Noami further said: "Hamad International Airport will truly be a global showpiece that the State of Qatar will justifiably be proud of. "I am delighted to say that we have indeed succeeded in living up to the vision of His Highness The Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani to create a world-class international gateway that will firmly put our country on the global stage. "The airlines that we will shortly welcome to Hamad International Airport will make history becoming the first commercial operators of flights to and from the world s newest aviation hub from April 1. "2005 seems like only yesterday when the foundation stone was laid for work to start on the new airport project. Eight years on and we are just weeks away from the latest chapter in the airport s history with the start of operations. "A new workplace and stunning architectural masterpiece will enhance the skyline of Doha providing new surroundings for airport employees and the travelling public from around the world."  Al Noaimi went on to explain that the cargo operations and catering facilities will be ready for operations within weeks. From March, freight forwarders and agents in Qatar will process import and export consignments at Hamad International Airport. Cargo uplift and arrivals will remain at Doha International Airport from where shipments will be transported by road to the new facility. Cargo flights operated by Qatar Airways and other freighter companies are expected to begin to and from Hamad International from the summer. Al Noaimi explained the next few months will see the new catering facility open in phases at Hamad International, initially handling meals for airlines operating from the new airport. Starting in the summer the catering facility, capable of handling almost 100,000 meals a day, will supply meals for all flights operating from both airports. He went on to say that trials of various facilities involving passengers and cargo have been in place for over six months. He added that mass trials involving hundreds of passengers at a time will soon begin at the passenger terminal complex of Hamad International ahead of the April opening. "By working with Qatar Airways and the various stakeholders, live trials have been carried out to validate all operational flows in the airport as if the airport is totally functional," said Al Noiami adding, "We are confident that we will have a fully functional and highly efficient airport to welcome our national carrier Qatar Airways when they move to their spectacular new home towards the second part of the year." Hamad International Airport will accommodate 28 million passengers annually when it opens this year, increasing to 50 million beyond 2015.  Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Noeimi, and Chairman of the NDIA Steering Committee the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) has announced that some 95.5% of the work of the new airport has been completed and the remaining will be finished before April, he said adding that the airline firms will begin shifting their offices to the new airport from April. The New Doha International Airport, spanning an area of 8,640 acres, will replace the old Doha International Airport, as Qatar s only international airport, and is built 5 kilometers east of current airport. The NDIA sets new standards in operational efficiency, passenger convenience and service. The design creates a world-class airport experience that forms a spectacular, lasting impression for visitors. The airport is expected to have a capacity of 24 million passengers per year, which will be gradually extended to 50 million in the second phase of the airport s development. The project also includes public Mosque, two 100-room luxury hotels, a 3100 car-parking garage, a health spa, squash courts, shopping mall, 25m swimming pool, two central utility plants, and one of the largest flight catering facilities in the world. The new airport is also the first in the world, designed to accommodate Airbus  new A380 super jumbo jets. It also features two of the world’s longest commercial runways. Construction of the New Port Project (NPP) in Doha will create an anticipated 20,000 job opportunities, according to NPP steering committee chairman Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Noaimi. Al Noaimi made the comment while addressing media ahead of a project review meeting to be held on-site. He added that said construction works were proceeding as per the original schedule. "The works are now fast progressing," he said. The NPP has already signed 18 contracts worth $2.47bn (QR: 9bn) with different companies. Of this, ten companies are Qatari entities. Almost half of the remaining $4.9bn (QR: 18bn) contracts would also go to local companies. The NPP Steering Committee anticipates at least nine future tenders, which are expected to be floated between Q1 2013 and Q1 2014. For his part, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: "2013 is an historic year for the State of Qatar, Qatar Airways and the country s young aviation industry.    "Qatar Airways, as the operator of the new Hamad International Airport and main user of the facility, looks forward to welcoming airlines and passengers to the airport in just a few weeks’ time opening up a new era for our country.  "This will be a world class facility that promises to propel our nation further on the international stage. Of course the story doesn’t end here.   "Later this year, Qatar Airways will move its entire operations to Hamad International Airport, as all airport lounges are expected to be ready and fully operational by then ensuring that all our passengers have a truly world class experience that they fully deserve.  "These are exciting times for our aviation industry and the people of Qatar, so let us relish the moment," Al Baker said in conclusion.