Airport jet fuel consumption to cross $600m

Aviation fuel consumption at Dubai International Airport is growing at seven per centf annually and is expected to cross 2.88 million cubic metres by the end of this year, valued at Dh2.22 billion ($600 million), according to Dubai government officials.

Dubai government-owned Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) and its subsidiaries, including Eppco Aviation and Caltex, control about 50 per cent of the market, according to Hussain Sultan, group chief executive and board member of the Enoc Group, speaking on the sidelines of the sixth Suppliers Forum of the Department of Civil Aviation.

Sultan said his company's Saudi joint venture, United Gulf Aircraft Fuel Co (Ugafco), will begin operations in Jeddah. Enoc has a 49 per cent share in it.

"This is the first time our aviation fuel arm has ventured into a foreign market. We have finalised almost everything and the new company will begin operation in Jeddah next month. Initially, it will supply our fuel to airlines that serve Jeddah International Airport," he said.

"Our aviation fuel business is growing steadily."