Ras Al Khaimah International Airport said it has made three senior appointments in its management team as part of its plan to support the airport's expansion which reflect the strong growth of the emirate. 

Michael Coe has been named the new development director, while Terry Sloan take over as the head of operations and Salem Hasan Al–Ghafri, an Emirati national, as the head of Security, Control Authorities and Regulatory Compliance.

Coe had previously worked with SSP UK Air as projects director, where he was responsible for new developments throughout the UK and in overseas airports.

With a background in architecture, project management and business development across airport,retail, leisure and commercial sectors, Coe will be responsible for driving RAK International Airport’s development goals.

Sloan has 17 years’ experience in the aviation industry, with an extensive background in ramp handling, apron, airfield and terminal safety.

He played a key role in the expansion of Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport which helped take the airport's passenger capacity from half a million to 5.5 million.

Al Ghafri, a veteran in the industyry, rose through the ranks and has exhibited a strong potential in taking a greater role in ensuring safety for the airport.

He has completed a number of specialist training programs, including Aviation Security Management ICAO (2011), Basic Training for Airport Security Personnel ICAO (2012), Aviation Crisis Management ICAO (2012),Aviation Cargo and Mail Security ICAO (2012), Aviation Security Supervisor ICAO (2012).

Salem had worked for 13 years in the military and 9 years as a security district consultant across various Middle Eastern countries. In 2011 Salem joined Department of Civil Aviation of RAK, and quickly progressed to senior management across the DCA and the airport.

Commenting on the appointments, airport director Andrew Gower said: “Michael, Terry and Salem bring with them a wealth of experience of working in commercial environments in the aviation sector, and I am confident they will be a major asset to the team.”

Grower pointed out that RAK International Airport had continued to invest in the existing team as part of its commitment to train and develop its workforce.

“These are exciting times in Ras Al Khaimah and the airport is ready to play its part in the emirate’s continuing success,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service