Qatar’s ambitious plans for its aviation industry are expected to remain on track, despite the impact of lower oil prices on other areas of the economy, Abdulla Nasser Turki Al Subaey, chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority told Oxford Business Group.

Al Subaey, who was appointed CAA chairman last year, said: “The budget for the airport’s expansion and the aviation industry remains unchanged and unaffected by reduced government revenue,” he said. “I don’t expect anything to alter in our field, given the important role for aviation when it comes to diversifying Qatar’s economy and developing the tourism industry.”

Qatar has sharpened its focus on hospitality and tourism in recent years, setting itself a target of 7 million visitors annually by 2030. Tourism receipts are expected to reach $17.8 billion by 2030, supported by investment of up to $45 billion under the 2030 National Tourism Sector Strategy.

In the wide-ranging interview, Al Subaey highlighted the CAA’s drive to capitalise on the raft of air service agreements it has signed worldwide, which now total 156. “Landmark” deals include agreements with all EU member countries, he told OBG, while others with Latin America and the Caribbean were being pursued. Qatar also has an open skies agreement with the US.

“Up to eight countries are expected to sign air service agreements with Qatar in 2016,” he said. “The aim is to enhance connectivity and support the growth of Qatar Airways, which is one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines, particularly in developing long-haul routes.”

Al Subaey also shared his thoughts on the HIA’s performance since the airport opened for business in May 2014, pointing out that both passenger numbers and cargo have been increasing steadily. More than 30 million passengers passed through HIA in 2015, this is up from 28 million passengers in its first year of operations.

Turning to plans for the HIA’s expansion, the CAA chairman said these were “progressing”, with the final phase set for completion ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

“The Airport City project is also moving forward, with the contract for its development now at the end stage,” he added. - TradeArabia News Service