Doha, November 27 (QNA) – Mohammed Faleh Al Hajri, in charge of managing Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), affirmed the success of the civil aviation sector in fully preparing for the requirements of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, pointing out that the State of Qatar was able to confirm its prestigious position in the world of aviation, through its presence in all international forums related to the civil aviation industry in the world.
In an interview with Al-Raya newspaper published Sunday, Al Hajri indicated that important and comprehensive development plans for the Qatari airspace have been implemented since the announcement of Qatar’s winning of hosting the World Cup, stressing the absorption of the large expected travel movement at the highest levels. He also noted the increase in departure and arrival routes, the modernization of all air navigation systems and technologies, and the intensive training of working cadres.
He said that it is expected that the capacity of Hamad International Airport (HIA) after the completion of the expansion project, will reach 58 million passengers annually, pointing out that the expansion project came in line with the operational intensity requirements during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the large numbers expected during this important event.
Al Hajri underlined that all procedures related to providing the best air navigation services during the World Cup period have been approved, ensuring the smooth flow of aircraft movement and in accordance with the highest standards of security and safety for all flights during this event. More than 6,000 aircraft movements were recorded in the first week of the tournament, he added.
Mohammed Faleh Al Hajri, in charge of managing Civil Aviation Authority, noted the provision of weather and climate data to fans and concerned parties through 46 meteorology stations, including eight stations at the World Cup stadiums, equipped with the state-of-the-art technologies.
Regarding support for the expansion plans of Qatar Airways, Mohammed Faleh Al Hajri said that the Authority is working – through the air transport agreements it has signed, and seeks to sign in the future – to enhance the march of the air transport sector in the State of Qatar, and support the operational network of Qatar Airways and its efforts to fly to all important tourist destinations and to expand its network of destinations.
About the Authority’s efforts to support the development of civil aviation in developing countries, Al Hajri stressed that the State of Qatar has contributed in this field with a package of initiatives, the most important of which was Qatar’s contribution of $1 million to ICAO’s campaign “No Country Left Behind”, in addition to the launch of the “Qatar-African Cooperation Program” in the field of human resources development for civil aviation in the African continent, which aims to raise the efficiency of human resources in the African continent and consolidate frameworks of cooperation with civil aviation authorities in African countries.
He also referred to the contribution of $100,000 to the ICAO initiative related to training courses for gender equality in the field of civil aviation, to train female cadres in least developed countries.
Regarding Qatar’s winning of the membership of the ICAO Council, Mohammed Faleh Al Hajri, in charge of managing Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), considered this victory a historic achievement, in addition to the series of other great achievements made by the civil aviation system in the State of Qatar, adding that it also represents an affirmation of the vital and pivotal role played by the State of Qatar in the field of civil aviation industry worldwide and its contributions in this field.
He stressed the State of Qatar’s constant keenness to fulfill its obligations towards the International Civil Aviation Organization, participate actively in all the initiatives it launched to advance the international civil aviation sector and strengthen the aviation system in other countries, and strive towards achieving any cooperation that would contribute to reaching a high and developed level of international civil aviation.
The establishment of the Doha Flight Information Region (FIR) was also considered the beginning of a new and very important phase for the local civil aviation industry, through the great and multiple benefits represented by adding new air routes, increasing the capacity of the aircraft waiting area in the air, increasing the area of search and rescue according to the FIR’s new dimensions, and other benefits that will reflect positively on the reality of the aviation sector, and will further contribute to enhancing air safety and improving the efficiency of aviation operations in the entire region, he said.
The State of Qatar enjoys a distinguished strategic location that made it a major and vital center for the global transit movement, he said, adding that this led to the attraction of major international airlines, in addition to having the best airport in the world according to Skytrax ratings.
On the aspects of cooperation between the Authority and ICAO, he indicated that there is a strategic partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization through joint work and exchange of experiences in all fields, and that the State of Qatar continues its permanent support for the plans and programs of the organization to achieve its goals and principles and to share many values with it on a sustainable future for the aviation sector.
He pointed out that the number of agreements signed by the State of Qatar with various countries of the world reached 174 air transport agreements, noting that several agreements were signed recently and on the sidelines of ICAO Council’s meetings, such as the final agreement with Seychelles, and the final agreement with Suriname and Barbados in the Caribbean. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed with the Dominican Republic in air cargo flights between the two countries, he added.
On the comprehensive air transport agreement with the European Union, he praised the agreement, as it opens promising future horizons for cooperation and partnerships in the fields of aviation, and also guarantees an increase and growth in the pace of travel between the State of Qatar and the European Union countries.
He also explained that one of the most important achievements of this agreement is that it paved the way for increased operations to major cities in Europe, and it also achieved many gains for Qatar Airways. At the same time, this agreement provides the opportunity for any carrier from the European Union to operate flights to Doha, which reflects positively on the travel sector and creates various options for the consumer by providing a large number of flights to various European destinations, he added.
Mohammed Faleh Al Hajri stressed that the agreement contributes to enhancing the process of trade, economic and cultural exchange with Europe, increasing the rates of air freight traffic and advancing the operational business of travel and tourism offices as well as air freight offices. It will also provide a greater level of air connectivity options, and will allow the country’s national carrier to easily enter European markets through an open route schedule (without restrictions) and expand its network in EU countries, with the possibility of connecting to the rest of the airline networks without restrictions on loads or number of flights, which will benefit and reflects positively on the profitability of the national carrier.
(QNA)