Airplane Ban Will Have Detrimental Effect on Fujairah Airport

Here is an excerpt from Hugh Naylor’s report (13 January 2009) in The National:

“Air cargo companies have joined forces to appeal against a decision by the General Civil Aviation Authority banning a Soviet-era aeroplane in UAE airspace.”

“The authority last week ordered all Antonov An-12 aeroplanes out of the country by today, citing safety concerns after a recent string of accidents involving the four-engine turboprop plane.”

“Fifteen air-cargo operators here use An-12s to transport goods to Africa, the Middle East and South Asia frequently, from airports in Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah, Dubai and Fujairah.

“The number of people who are going to be affected will be more than 1,500 people, 15 airlines, more than 50 aircraft. We’re talking about a decision here that will harm about 90 per cent of the air cargo market of the UAE. Airports in Ras al Khaimah and Fujairah will suffer because of this.”

Full Report:
Hugh Naylor, Cargo Firms Unite Against Ban on An-12 Aeroplanes, The National, 13 January 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: An-12 Aeroplane.