Dubai: The Government of Sharjah and Air BP, a leading global marketer of aviation fuels and related support services, have inaugurated a $32-million jet fuel facility designed to boost Sharjah International Airport's operational capabilities and increase its potential refuelling capacity in line with the northern emirate's projected aviation industry growth.
The 50,000-metric tonne facility is located in the Hamriyah Free Zone and comprises a 45,000-square metre jet fuel storage terminal and a 45-kilometre pipeline linked directly to the airport.
The new development coincides with the rapid growth of Sharjah's aviation industry spearheaded partly by Air Arabia's successful operations following its launch a few years ago as the region's first low-cost carrier. The flow of cargo traffic has also reached record highs in recent years with Sharjah Airport now being considered one of the region's largest cargo hubs.
Shaikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi of Sharjah Petroleum Company said: "This is a major milestone in Sharjah's bid to cement its credentials as a forward planning regional aviation hub for both passenger and cargo traffic and is in line with our urban planning policies aimed at reducing road congestion and CO2 emissions.
"The new facility is a highly strategic asset and it will provide a solid growth platform for Sharjah's aviation sector and its flagship airline Air Arabia, whilst introducing internationally accepted safety and environmental standards for the emirate's people, today and for the future."
The facility will be managed by Anabeeb, a joint venture set up between the Government of Sharjah and Air BP, which was instrumental in the design and implementation of the project.
Air BP is currently the largest fuel supplier to Air Arabia and is a 49 per cent partner in Sharjah Aviation Services (Sasco) which manages the fuel systems and Into-Plane services at the airport.