Queen Alia International Airport
| Queen Alia International Airport مطار الملكة علياء الدولي Matar al-Malikah 'Alya' ad-Dowaly | |||||||||||||||
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  AMM | |||||||||||||||
| Summary | |||||||||||||||
| Airport type | Public | ||||||||||||||
| Owner | AIG group & Government of Jordan | ||||||||||||||
| Operator | AIG Group | ||||||||||||||
| Serves | Amman | ||||||||||||||
| Location | Zizya, Jordan | ||||||||||||||
| Hub for |
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| Elevation AMSL | 730 m / 2,395 ft | ||||||||||||||
| Coordinates | 31°43′21″N 35°59′36″E / 31.72250°N 35.99333°E | ||||||||||||||
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| Statistics (2014) | |||||||||||||||
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Queen Alia International Airport (IATA: AMM, ICAO: OJAI) (Arabic: مطار الملكة علياء الدولي; transliterated: Matar al-Malikah 'Alya' ad-Dowaly) is Jordan's largest airport and is located in Zizya 30 kilometres (20 mi) south of the capital city, Amman. Named after Queen Alia, third wife to the late King Hussein of Jordan, the airport is home to the country's national flag carrier, Royal Jordanian Airlines, and serves as a major hub for Jordan Aviation, Petra Airlines, Royal Falcon, and Royal Wings.
A state-of-the-art new terminal was inaugurated in March 2013 to replace the airport's older two passenger terminals and one cargo terminal.[2] The three original terminals were made obsolete once the new terminal officially began operations. The new airport received the "Best Airport in the Middle East" in 2014 award by the Airport Council International, the awards are given to the airports which achieved the highest costumer satisfaction in the ASQ Survey.[3]
History
Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) was built in 1983[4] in response to the growing airport traffic needs that Amman Civil Airport could not accommodate. At the time, passenger traffic was increasing above the international average, recording 25–30% growth per annum and placing considerable pressure on airport facilities despite continuous expansion and development. In 1981, the number of arriving, departing, and transit passengers exceeded 2.3 million, while cargo traffic reached 62,000 tons and aircraft traffic topped 27,000 movements.[5]
The Jordanian Ministry of Transport undertook to build a new international airport with sufficient capacity to cope with demand in the foreseeable future. QAIA was built at an estimated total cost of JOD 84 million. Passenger facilities were designed to serve 3.5 million passengers per annum.[5]
QAIA has since grown to become the kingdom's primary international gateway and a stop-over for international airlines in the Middle East. By 2012, QAIA was serving on average more than 6 million passengers and 40 airlines from around the world.[5]
In 2007 the Government of Jordan selected Airport International Group (AIG) through an open tender to operate, rehabilitate and manage QAIA under a 25-year concession agreement. In response to the continual surge in passenger traffic at the time, AIG was also placed in charge of constructing a new terminal, one which not only would expand the airport's then insufficient annual capacity of 3.5 million passengers, but that would also introduce a "unique travel experience" to help advance QAIA's position as a niche transit hub in the region.[6][7][8]
Accordingly, AIG invested an estimated USD 750 million in the construction of the new terminal.[9]
The new terminal is also equipped to accommodate rising annual passenger traffic, taking the original airport capacity from 3.5 million passengers per year to 7 million.
Inaugurated on 14 March 2013, by King Abdullah II,[8] the new airport was officially launched following an overnight operational transfer. The last flight departed from the old terminal at 10:05 pm on 20 March 2013, upon which all operations were shifted to the new terminal, where its first flight departed at 2:30 am on 21 March 2013.[10]
On 20 January 2014, AIG launched the second phase of QAIA's expansion, valued at a total cost of over USD 100 million. Scheduled to be completed in 2016, the second expansion phase will raise QAIA's annual passenger traffic capacity to up to 12 million, subsequently supporting the Jordan's national tourism strategy goals to serve as a regional transit hub for leisure and business travel. The aims to boost its capacity to 16 million passengers annually by the end of the concession time frame in 2032.[11]
Terminal
QAIA's new design was created by architects Foster + Partners.[12] Its main characteristic is the roof that was inspired by Bedouin tents and is composed of 127 concrete domes, each weighing up to 600 metric tonnes.[13]
The building layout is specially set up to facilitate passenger traffic flow, allowing easy access to the boarding lounge and shopping areas, both of which are located directly from the security checkpoint. Improvements include car parking and curb-side spaces, a larger check-in area, marked signage in both Arabic and English, increased flight information monitors, comfortable seating in waiting areas, and a centralized visitor assistance desk.
In addition to passenger experience, the new terminal's design integrates environmental sustainability features in line with AIG's policies to green operations: Materials used in the construction of the airport include locally sourced stone for paving, benches and gardens. Rainwater is harvested via a network of collection pipes located within each building column, while water is recycled and used to irrigate the airport's gardens.
Courtyards are planted with native flora that serve as 'cooling gardens', adding moisture and shade to the building's perimeter. Louvered air intakes, located in the side garden walls, capitalize on the lowered ambient air temperatures. The heat-island effect is minimized through external covered areas, like generous roof canopies and planted ground cover. High performance insulation, air-tight exterior cladding and use of thermal mass maximize overall energy performance, and metal heat shields atop each roof dome insulate and shade the concrete roof, expelling radiant heat.
Natural day-lighting is incorporated extensively throughout the terminal, fixed loading bridges and passenger loading bridges; a reflective pool next to the glass façade provides indirect light in the Baggage Reclaim Hall. To lessen the need for artificial lighting, the terminal has full glass window walls as well as 292 skylights that make up about 10% of the total roof area. Artificial lighting is low-energy fluorescent, and LEDs are used for 24-hour lighting such as lift cabs and signage.
The airport has two lounges, one operated by Royal Jordanian for business and first class passengers, and the other exclusively run by telecom operator Zain Jordan for its VIP customers.
Retail space was expanded by 25% at the new terminal, covering more than 6,000 square metres (65,000 sq ft). The terminal houses several international food and beverage venues that include restaurants, supermarkets and a nuts roastery; a larger Duty Free area; a children's play area; additional shopping outlets; and internet connectivity.
Airport management
Airport International Group (AIG) is a Jordanian company formed to rehabilitate, expand and operate Queen Alia International Airport under a 25-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession agreement.[6] The concession was awarded to AIG in 2007 by the Government of Jordan after an open international tender that was overseen by the International Finance Corporation (World Bank) within its capacity as advisor to the Government. AIG's shareholders include Jordanian, Persian Gulf, and European partners. Shareholders include Invest AD, Noor Financial Investments Co., Edgo Group, J&P (Overseas) Ltd., and Aeroports de Paris Management.
Through the BOT Public-Private Partnership framework, the Government retains ownership of the airport and receives 54.47% of the airport's gross revenues for the first six years, and 54.64% of the gross revenues for the remaining 19 years of the agreement's 25-year term.[14]
As part of its public-private partnership (PPP) with the Government of Jordan, AIG closely collaborates with the Government on a day-to-day basis on all issues related to the airport. A dedicated project management unit (PMU) within the Jordanian Ministry of Transport oversees the project for the Government. The Ministry of Transport receives full annual financial statements as well as quarterly financial and operational reports.
Airlines and destinations
Passenger
Charter
| Airlines | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Petra Airlines | Charter: Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, Hurghada, Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen, Jeddah, Medina, Milan-Malpensa, Sharm el-Sheikh, Tripoli, Yerevan |
| Royal Wings | Charter: Alexandria-Borg el Arab, Algiers, Antalya, Aqaba, Al Arish, Rhodes, Warsaw-Chopin |
| Transaero Airlines | Charter: Moscow-Domodedovo[18] |
Cargo
| Airlines | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Cargolux | Baku, Luxembourg |
| Qatar Airways Cargo | Doha |
| Royal Jordanian Cargo | Aqaba, Beirut, Brussels, Istanbul-Atatürk, London-Stansted, Maastricht/Aachen, New York-JFK, Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion |
| Saudia Cargo | Riyadh |
| Turkish Airlines Cargo | Beirut, Istanbul-Atatürk[19] |
Statistics
| Year | Total passengers | Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2,334,779 | |
| 2003 | 2,358,475 | 1.00% |
| 2004 | 2,988,174 | 21.07% |
| 2005 | 3,301,510 | 9.49% |
| 2006 | 3,506,070 | 5.83% |
| 2007 | 3,861,126[20] | 9.20% |
| 2008 | 4,477,811[20] | 13.77% |
| 2009 | 4,770,769[21] | 6.14% |
| 2010 | 5,422,301[22] | 12.02% |
| 2011 | 5,467,726[23] | 0.83% |
| 2012 | 6,250,048[24] | 12.52% |
| 2013 | 6,502,000[25] | 4% |
| 2014 | 7,089,008[26] | 9% |
| Year | Total Aircraft movements |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 44,672 |
| 2008 | 51,314 |
| 2009 | 57,726 |
| 2010 | 62,863 |
| 2011 | 63,426 |
| 2012[27] | 67,190 |
| 2014[26] | 73,125 |
Awards
The global Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Survey for Q1 2014 ranked QAIA at first place in 18 different service and facility categories from among 10 airports across the Middle East. QAIA also came in at 13th place from amongst 81 airports worldwide within the group of airports serving 5—15 million passengers, and recorded an Overall Satisfaction Score of 4.42 out of a possible 5.0, an improvement compared to its 4.23 score in Q4 2013. With regards to luggage delivery speed, QAIA earned a 4.13 score, up from 3.99 during the previous quarter.
QAIA also received two 2013 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards[28] in February 2014, ranking at 1st place in the category of "Best Improvement by Region: Middle East" and 5th in the category of "Best Airport by Region: Middle East". The ASQ Awards results are based on the ASQ Survey, an international airport passenger satisfaction benchmark program.[29] In the 2014 version of the wards, QAIA again received the "Best Improvement In the Middle east region" award, and leaped forward to become the best airport in the middle east, ahead of Abu Dhabi International Airport, Ben Gurion International Airport, Hamad International Airport and Dubai International Airport.[30]
In March 2013, QAIA was named one of the world's top 40 Public–private partnership PPP projects, receiving Gold recognition as "Best Emerging Market Infrastructure Project for Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa" in Emerging Partnerships.[31] The winning PPPs, selected from among projects nominated by governments, industry, NGOs, academia and other organizations following a global call for submissions, demonstrated best practices for governments working with the private sector to provide a wide range of public services and to spur economic development in their countries.[31]
In June 2013, QAIA became the second airport in the Middle East to achieve the "Mapping" level of the Airport Carbon Accreditation program run by Airports Council International Europe. The 'Mapping' level recognizes the airport's commitment to determining its carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emission sources at its operational boundary, as well as to engaging a third party to verify the airport's annual carbon footprint.[32]
Access
The airport is connected to Amman by Sariyah shuttle buses that ply back and forth around the clock between Amman and the airport every 30 minutes.
An airport taxi service is also available around the clock. A Rent-a-Car service is also available at the airport.
QAIA's parking facilities are divided into three key areas:
- Departure curbside area: Reserved for passenger drop-offs and pick-ups, drivers entering the departure curbside must purchase a ticket to enter. Drivers receive a 10-minute free-of-charge grace period.
- Short-term parking lot: Cars parked in this area are subject to an hourly parking fee.
- Long-term parking lot: Designed for passengers who wish to leave their vehicles at the airport while travelling, the long-term lot charges drivers daily parking fees.
A shuttle bus is available to transport passengers between the terminal and car park.
See also
References
- ↑ "Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA)". Qaiairport.com. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
- ↑ Ghazal, Mohammad (14 March 2013). "King Abdullah Opens New Queen Alia Airport Terminal". The Jordan Times (Amman, Jordan: Jordan Press Foundation). Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ http://www.aci.aero/Airport-Service-Quality/ASQ-Awards/Current-Winners/Best-Airport-By-Region/Middle-East
- ↑ "Arab Passengers' Airlines Framework and Performance" (PDF). Economic Research Forum. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Tribute to King Abdullah II of Jordan – Celebrating 15 Years of Leadership, "Celebrating 30 Years of Queen Alia International Airport".
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "QAIA Project". Airport International Group. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ "Queen Alia International Airport Takes Jordan's Aviation Industry to New Horizons" (Press release). Amman, Jordan: Airport International Group. 14 November 2011. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Maslen, Richard (27 March 2013). "New Terminal Opening Boosts Queen Alia Airport's Capacity". Routesonline (Manchester, United Kingdom: UBM Information Ltd). Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ "AIG Makes Substantial Headway in the Renovations of QAIA's Warehouses" (Press release). Amman, Jordan: Airport International Group. 28 August 2012. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ "New QAIA Terminal Officially Launches Full Operations" (Press release). Amman, Jordan: Airport International Group. 21 March 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ "Queen Alia International Commences Second Phase of US$100m Expansion Project". Passenger Terminal Today.Com. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
- ↑ "Official Opening of Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan" (Press release). Amman, Jordan: Foster + Partners. 21 March 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ Dalgamouni, Rand (9 March 2013). "New QAIA Terminal Gears Up for Opening Day". The Jordan Times (Amman, Jordan: Jordan Press Foundation). Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ "Queen Alia International Airport Project, Jordan" (PDF). Norton Rose Fulbright. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ "Timetables". Retrieved 21 April 2014.
- ↑ http://airlineroute.net/2015/05/01/9p-may15/
- ↑ Tyrolean Airways to merge with Austrian Airlines
- ↑ ""ТРАНСАЭРО" ВОЗОБНОВЛЯЕТ ПРЯМОЙ РЕЙС В ИОРДАНИЮ". АвиаПорт.Ru. 19 October 2012. Retrieved 19 October 2012.
- ↑ Turkish Airlines Cargo Winter Schedule
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Airport International Group reports significant growth in QAIA traffic for 2008 | Airport International Group (AIG) | AMEinfo.com
- ↑
- ↑ http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=33729
- ↑
- ↑ August Brings New Records to QAIA with 23.76% Increase in Passengers | Airport International Group
- ↑
- ↑ 26.0 26.1
- ↑
- ↑ "About the ASQ Awards". Airports Council International. Retrieved 8 April 2014.
- ↑ "1st place for QAIA: Jordan Secures Service Quality Awards for Excellence in Customer Service" (Press release). Amman, Jordan: Airport International Group. 26 February 2014. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ http://www.aci.aero/Airport-Service-Quality/ASQ-Awards/Current-Winners
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 "QAIA Receives 'Gold' Recognition as Best Emerging Market Infrastructure Project" (Press release). Amman, Jordan: Airport International Group. 1 April 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ "QAIA Receives Airport Carbon Accreditation" (Press release). Amman, Jordan: Zawya. 27 June 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
External links
Media related to Queen Alia International Airport at Wikimedia Commons
- Official website
- Airport information for OJAI at World Aero Data. Data current as of October 2006.Source: DAFIF.
- Airport information for OJAI at Great Circle Mapper. Source: DAFIF (effective Oct. 2006).
- Current weather for OJAI at NOAA/NWS
- Accident history for AMM at Aviation Safety Network