Air Arabia to build 300-room hotel at Sharjah airport

Dubai: Sharjah-based budget carrier Air Arabia said it will construct a 300-room hotel at Sharjah Airport, to be managed by Abu Dhabi-based hotel management company, Rotana Hotels and Resorts.

The announcement follows the signing of a management agreement between Air Arabia and Rotana Hotels to manage this property under their innovative Centro by Rotana brand, offering affordable, superior-class accommodation and hospitality, a statement said.

"Centro by Rotana, Sharjah Airport, will be highly distinctive, expressed through its contemporary architecture and unique living spaces. While dramatic exteriors will reflect Centro's modern style, its crisp interiors will provide the essentials for today's traveller, including advanced technologies," the statement said.

The property, which will include both standard rooms and suites, will offer comfort and convenience for travellers passing through one of the region's fastest-growing airports as well as for visitors to the emirate.

Centro by Rotana will redefine the concept of affordable comfort by offering superior-class accommodation and genuine Arabian hospitality to both business and individual travellers.

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, chairman of Air Arabia, said: "The construction of this new hotel is a key component in the growth of Sharjah Airport and will further enhance the range of facilities and services offered here, including a new state-of-the-art terminal and ground-handling services.

"In line with the growth of Air Arabia, the ongoing infrastructure upgrade at Sharjah Airport and the new hotel will ensure that customers continue to turn to Sharjah as the preferred international gateway to the UAE, Gulf and wider region."

Adel Ali, CEO of Air Arabia, said: "The decision to set up this 300-room hotel at Sharjah Airport comes as part of Air Arabia's strategy to grow ancillary revenues. In partnership with appointed third parties, we currently provide a portfolio of over 20,000 hotels - from budget to five-star accommodation - in more than 3,300 cities across the globe."

Passenger traffic soars 36% in 2006

Passenger traffic at Sharjah Airport increased more than 36 per cent last year, and the facility received more than three million passengers. - After completion of Dh350 million expansion project, the airport will be capable of handling up to 8 million passengers a year. - Air Arabia has served more than 3.4 million customers since it began operations and currently serves 35 destinations.