Dubai airport's Al Majlis to undergo expansion

Dubai International Airport's VIP pavilion, Al Majlis, will undergo a Dh2 million expansion and upgrading programme. The pavilion provides passengers with personalised check-in, baggage, immigration and custom services.

It is used by the Executive Flight Services for VIPs and private jet owners and can be used by other passengers in return for some charges. Bookings for the VIP Pavilion have to be made 24 hours in advance.

"Dubai International Airport offers this very special service to passengers looking for that extra bit of service. The number of passengers using the facility is growing," Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group told DCA newsletter.

"The opening of Sheikh Rashid Terminal has given impetus to passenger movement and we now have more people asking for this specialised service. The VIP pavilion has seen a growth in the number of users and under the expansions, we will have a dedicated area for families and another with special internet facilities for businessmen," explained Moham-mad Al Tayer, director, protocol and public relations.

The number of persons using the facility grew from 3,600 in 1998 to 4,400 in 1999 and 5,652 in 2000. In 2001, Al Majlis witnessed a 24 per cent growth in revenue to Dh2 million in 2001 from Dh1.4 million in 2000.

Total number of passengers using the facility stood at 6,200 in 2001, a growth of 9 per cent over 5,652 in 2000.

The newsletter said Dubai Civil Aviation First and Business Class lounges in Sheikh Rashid Terminal can be used by any passenger. First and Business Class passengers can use it for free but economy class passengers can use it for a small fee. A passenger has to pay Dh55 for the First Class lounge located between Gates 9 and 11 and Dh45 per person for the Business Class lounge next to Gate 8.

Over the past years, trade and business growth created a new class of passengers travelling by private or corporate jets. With the emergence of this new class of travellers, the demand for a personalised service was felt.

The Executive Flight Services was created in 1988 to fill in this gap in demand.

During the last three years, the Executive Flight Services has taken care of 1,320 flights in 1998; 1,502 in 1999, and 1,888 in 2000. In 2000, a total of 1,852 executive flights movement were registered.