The Ras Al Khaimah International Airport put up an impressive performance in 2012 registering a solid 24 per cent growth in passenger numbers and a 60 per cent jump in its revenue, said its top official.

In addition, the operations performance at the RAK airports reached a 98 per cent achievement rate, and aircraft movements, duty-free sales and cargo tonnage, too showed positive growth.

Located just 45 minutes from Dubai, and 20-45 minutes from Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain and Fujairah, early and new entrants into the UAE through RAK International Airport can capitalise on market share and reap profitable rewards.

Commenting on the growth, Andrew Gower, the CEO of RAK International Airport said, "Our accomplishments in 2012 are the fruits of a focused and unique business strategy based on a stakeholder analysis approach."

"The airport’s efforts at providing comprehensive world-class quality airport services has gained substantial ground as both passenger numbers and financial performance figures posted impressive growth throughout 2012," he stated.

“And 2012, in spite of being just the first year of operations under a new management team, such accomplishments have already exceeded our pectations,” remarked Gower.

During the early months of 2012, a new management team headed by Gower was appointed at RAK International Airport with a clear mandate of expanding the airport’s operations.

The other appointees included Mohammed Qazi as the commercial & finance director, Michael Coe as the development director and Terry Sloan as the head of operations.

Apart from the new management appointees, RAK International Airport also awarded a ground handling operations contract to National Aviation Services (NAS), which now provides a comprehensive ground handling service that includes ramp handling, check-in, arrival, transit and cargo services.

In addition, Pearl Assist, NAS’s worldwide network of lounge and meet and assist services has also been made available at RAK International Airport, said Gower.

According to him, RAK International is the first commercial airport in the UAE to have partnered with Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL) – the first UAE-based leading provider of professional aerospace services – for the provision of comprehensive Air Traffic Services (ATS).

"This partnership highlights the availability of globally acceptable, local ATS providers of international standards to UAE airports. These include a full array of air traffic control services – from manning to the analysis of standards, procedures and facilities at the airport," he added..

Being just 45 minutes from Dubai is a huge advantage for passengers travelling to & from RAK International Airport.

The proximity to favoured destinations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi through road and air links from RAK Airport is quite attractive making Ras Al Khaimaha northern gateway to the country.

Gowere said another comprehensive factor in RAK Airport’s growth was the commercial packages offered to airlines and other aviation associated businesses, which was the best in the region.

Other factors included the development of newroutes, improvements to its tour service and in-terminal facilities. These include the opening of a new business lounge, a café, and the substantial increase ofits Duty-Free offerings, he added.

Gower said RAK International Airport had relatively quieter skies and ample take-off and landing slots with no restrictions.

“And as we continue to explore new opportunities and markets, we listen to these markets and adapt to the changes of an ever-evolving aviation industry. Therefore, under our unique business strategy and approach, we are confident that the growth momentum gained in 2012 will carry over in 2013 and further into the future,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service