AIG released traffic results for 2008

Airport International Group (AIG), the strategic investor and operator for the Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) in Amman, Jordan, has announced traffic results for 2008.  The year-end tally reveals impressive double-digit growth in both passenger traffic and aircraft movements over the previous year.

In 2008, aircraft movements at QAIA reached 51,300, an increase of 6,600 over 2007, representing an improvement of 14.9% year-over-year.

Passenger volumes for 2008 were even stronger, closing the year 616,700 above 2007, translating to an impressive annual gain of 16.0% totaling a record-shattering 4,477,800 passengers for the year.

AIG’s Chief Executive Officer, Curtis Grad, said “this healthy growth is due, in large part, to the strength, resilience and depth of the Jordanian market, despite the ongoing global economic woes.”  He also pointed to recent improvements to existing facilities and services at QAIA, including various upgrades to the existing terminals, improvements in janitorial cleaning and introduction of a second ground handler, as strong signs of AIG’s commitment to transforming QAIA into a truly world class gateway.

“We are anticipating a modest increase in frequencies and new destinations in the coming year, including those recently announced by Royal Jordanian, Air France, Austrian Airlines, bmi, Emirates Airlines.  We are also in active talks with several other carriers that have shown keen interest in tapping into QAIA’s potential as a strong origin/destination point, and growing transit hub.” Mr. Grad added.

The rehabilitation and expansion works at QAIA are well underway with the new passenger terminal extending over 85,000 square meters. AIG, under the terms of a 25-year concession agreement with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is responsible for the operation of the airport, the rehabilitation of existing facilities and the construction of the new terminal.

Source: Transportweekly