Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA), a fully accredited IATA agency handling a variety of travel and tour solutions for leisure and business travellers, has opened its first branch in Dubai as part of the UAE expansion plans.

Shaikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed Al Thani, the chairman of Department of Civil Aviation, officially inaugurated the agency's 11th branch at City Bay Center opposite Abu Hail Metro station 2. The travel agency plans to expand its UAE network to 15 by 2013.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Ghanem Al Hajri, the chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority said, “This is in line with the management’s directives of strategically expanding SATA’s network of branches and delivering the best services to all its clients.”

"We have the pleasure to add a new branch to our constantly growing network. We believe that Dubai branch will provide the best and most innovative products and travel solutions to all our discerning customers according to the highest travel and ticketing standards," he noted.

Commenting on the expansion, Arshad Munir, the SATA general manager said, "Adding another feather to the cap, we are opening our 11th branch in the country. The location is one of the most easily accessed, with Abu hail Metro station 2 and Abu Hail Bus stand just few yards away."

According to him, the agency now plans to open its next branch in Abu Dhabi followed by similar units in the other emirates.

SATA operates a 24-hour branch at Sharjah International Airport, offering key services including airlines reservation and ticketing, inbound and outbound holidays, inbound activities, worldwide hotel reservation, car rental, travel insurance, Umrah service and visa assistance services.

The opening ceremony was attended by Ali Salim Al Midfa, the director general of Sharjah Airport Authority, Sheikh Khalid Bin Isam Al Qassimi, the director general of Department of Civil Aviation and other government officials.-TradeArabia News Service