The developers of an airport aiming to become the largest in the world announced, on the 5^th November 2007, the completion of its first runway. Located in Dubai, the airport's runway is 4.5 kilometres in length - making it capable of handling the likes of the giant Airbus A-380, which entered service with Singapore Airlines last month.

Al-Maktoum Airport, as it has recently become known, is a component of a larger construction plan being implemented in the area by Dubai World Central (DWC). It was formally titled Dubai World Central International Airport, but, in the past few days, this was revised so as to honour the Maktoum family, who rule over Dubai.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, Dubai World Central's chairman, highlighted the virtues of the new runway in a statement, in which he described it as being "capable of handling any new generation of aircraft". He added: "(The new runway) signals the advent of a new era in Dubai's aviation and transportation history".

Dubai's New Airport Will Eventually Have Six Runways

The new runway is but the first of six ultimately planned to serve Al-Maktoum. The airport itself is scheduled to begin operational life by winter 2008, with an ultimate aim to handle in excess of 120 million passengers per annum.

According to the chief consulting engineer involved with Al-Maktoum, the runway's construction utilises the very latest in materials and methods. "This runway is the latest you can have", he emphasised. "You can land any plane on it in any weather."

Dubai International Air Show to Showcase Further Plans for New Airport

The imminent Dubai International Air Show is now expected to be used as a showcase for further details concerning Al-Maktoum to be unveiled, especially in respect of its facilities for executive jets and helicopters.

In respect of freight, Al-Maktoum's intended handling capacity will rank it in the upper echelons of the cargo hub hierarchy: annually, 12 million tonnes of it will pass through.

The intention is not for Al-Maktoum to replace the current Dubai International Airport, which, geographically, is around 25 miles away. Instead, stated the communications chief of DWC, its development mirrors the heightening demand for air travel - a demand that the present facility cannot meet long-term.

Low Cost Airlines to Benefit from Dubai's New Hub

Abdulla al-Falisi additionally described the benefits of the new airport for low cost carriers. "This airport will open up more scope for low-cost airlines", he stated, adding: "We don't want to lose any type of business."

Over 100 airlines currently fly from Dubai to destinations across the world.

Source - Airport International's Middle East Correspondent

Recent related News Item:

Oil Profits Drive Airport Construction/Expansion in Gulf

Further Resources - Products and Services:

Companies Supplying Airport Construction

Companies Supplying Airport Design

Companies Supplying Airport Development