ID :
409557
Tue, 06/14/2016 - 16:39
Auther :

Qatar's Transport Minister Hails HIA's Tremendous Success as Qatar's Gateway

Doha, June 14 (QNA) - Hamad International Airport (HIA) has achieved tremendous success since its opening as the gateway into Qatar and the rest of the world, HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti said. The minister was speaking on the sidelines of an airport stakeholders appreciation dinner to commemorate all airport partners and stakeholders who have been a part of Qatar's award-winning airport, which completed two years of operations. He presented airport stakeholders and partners with appreciation certificates on behalf of HIA. "I am happy the airport has organized this appreciation event to recognize all their partners who have played an integral role in the airport's success," HE Al Sulaiti said. In turn, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said HIA is a major part of the group. "In a short period of time, the Qatar Airways' hub became one of the main airports in the region and across the world, and a destination by itself. We extend our special thanks to the ministry of transportation, all partners and stakeholders for presenting this good image of Qatar, and we look forward for more achievements." HIA staff and representatives from a number of airport stakeholders were present at the event including representatives of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Qatar Tourism Authority, Qatar Museums, Ministry of Interior, Airport Immigration, General Authority of Customs, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Qatar Airways, Qatar Duty Free and Qatar Airways Cargo. HIA Chief Operating Officer Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Meer expressed his delight to work alongside the airport's partners in growth and success. "We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our airport stakeholders for their tireless efforts and constant support. We are proud and grateful for all that we have accomplished together; but this is only the beginning. We will reach greater heights together." HIA's official theme music 'The Beginning,' was also exclusively revealed to guests. The music has been composed by Dana Al Fardan, the founder and CEO of DNA records, an independent music label based in Doha and London. The musical piece was performed by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra in front of the iconic Lamp Bear in HIA and beside the airport runway and guests at the dinner became the first to view the new video. HIA is a multiple award-winning airport having been acknowledged as the best airport in the Middle East by Skytrax World Airport Awards for 2015 and 2016 and having become the first airport in the Middle East to enter the world's top 10 best airports of the Skytrax world airport ranking. Services and facilities at HIA include Qatar Duty Free, a premium shopping emporium with more than 40,000 square meters of combined retail and dining with more than 70 boutiques and 30 cafes and restaurants. HIA also boasts an airside hotel, two airside squash courts, a gym, a 25-metre swimming pool and spa, all within easy reach of the departure gates. The airport also features two runways with dual capacity, one of the largest free span maintenance hangars in the world, a cutting-edge two-floor cargo facility and one of the world's largest self-contained catering facilities. (QNA)

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