By Hazel Heyer eTurbo News Cairo's only international arrival hall, Terminal 3 is expected to open next month, after which renovation work for Terminal 1 arrivals begins.
Engineer Ibrahim Manna, airport project chairperson, said they are building an EGP250 million 300-room hotel opposite the brand new terminal. "We expect to receive 9 to 20 million passengers yearly in the next three years, hence the huge expansion."
Although the awaited opening of this massive modern hall has been delayed due to the Aeroport Du Paris (ADP) management, authorities could hardly believe the pace of construction in the last two months, according to Fathi Fathalla, chairman of the Cairo International Airports.
Within the Terminal 3 complex is a glass-encased bridge connecting the arrival hall to a shopping mall. "On two storeys, it will house 23 shops selling all signature, branded items," Fathalla said. “Although it will not be a dedicated duty free shop, it will allow incoming passengers to buy top labels upon arrival. We are now receiving bids for operators of the shopping complex.”
Departure Hall 1 has been completely refurbished in terms of passenger capacity and facilities. "It has increased number of X-ray check-in points to six, 42 departure check-in counters and weighing counters (three for express service), increased passport control booths from 10 to 18, 3960 sqm. recreation for departure farewell bidders, the new Le Marche Cafeteria, the Duty Free Shop, a new retail shop with various outlets, two mezzanine level cafeterias with an overall area of 1080 sqm," said General Abdel Fattah Badran, head of operations.
The transfer and transit hall receives a complete makeover with three gates added to the former nine double-level gates for large aircrafts, two more levels (mezzanine and first floors) added to the hall, a redesigned terrace, five executive lounges, to name just a few.
"Similarly, we are also tendering airports for bidders from amongst international operators," said Fathalla. He added they are looking for an operator for Cairo International airport as one unit, and Hurghada, Luxor, Abu Simbel, Aswan and Sharm el Sheikh as a package altogether. "Bidders on the list include Fraport, ADP, EANA, and for regional Nice/Sufravia as joint venture. They have completed their data gathering and feasibility study and now await the wrap-up discussions before final selection."
Meanwhile, Minister for Civil Aviation Ahmed Shafiq announced yesterday Egypt has been approved as member of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) starting 2005 to 2007.
Out of 157 total votes by different countries qualifying entrants into the organization, Egypt received 154 votes – a close second to Singapore who scored 155. Third place saw a tie at 146 points between Austria, Mexico, Argentina and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, followed by Spain and South Africa at 145, India at 142, and Finland at 139.
In Egypt's history of aviation, the country confirms for the very first time a top rank since joining the aviation council in 1947. "This record break validates the country's prominent position in the field reflected in all current achievements and accomplishments by our department,” Shafiq said. “A more formidable partnership develops between the tourism and aviation ministries, both collaborating stronger than ever before to increase arrivals.”
“Every industry has a point of saturation, however tourism's potential is virtually infinite. Hence, our thrust is to invigorate tourism by encouraging all ministries, not only civil aviation, to boost support for tourism, Egypt’s tourism chief added.
Shafiq said he now monitors every detail affecting his sector, “literally everything, including minor matters that could mildly irritate customers from all service levels”.
According to Shagif, he emphasizes establishing good, effective communication between all trained staff as well as attention to security measures at all points, from airside to landside at terminals. He disclosed all security personnel today receive training from agencies overseas to complement safety and security efforts abroad.
Most importantly, the minister said he wants major enhancements in all air terminals of the Cairo Airport earned civil aviation the recent number two distinction from ICAO.
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