FAISALABAD. Number of air passengers travelling through Faisalabad International Airport will swell from 0.5 million to 0.8 million during this year and 4 new airlines are planning to start their flights in addition to the existing 7 airlines already operating from Faisalabad airport.
Addressing the members of the Faisalabad Chamber Of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), Airport Manager Anwar Zia disclosed that only three domestic flights were being operated from this airport just few years ago with annual deficit of Rs. 220 million.
He said that now 128 flights are operating from this airport for which FCCI played a commendable role. He said that the sustainability of new flights was the main challenge; he faced during his professional career. However, with the active support of the Faisalabad Chamber Of Commerce & Industry and Travel Agents Association, we hammered out a comprehensive strategy under which corrupt employees of different departments were shunted out, in addition to providing best and international level security along with up gradation of existing passenger lounge and expansion of runway.
He claimed that now this airport has been progressing leap and bound. He told that many more international Airlines are planning to harvest the maximum benefit from the heavy passenger load, available from this region. He said that Fly Dubai is adding 7 more flights while Turkish, Etihad, Air Blue and Saudia will also start their flights within next couple of months.
Anwar Zia told that this airport is now generating 2400 million rupees including net profit of Rs. 1600 million. He told that after the expansion of runway Boeing 777 planes could also land at this Airport. Moreover arrangements are being made for the parking and handling of 3 flights at a time. He told that an international and a domestic lounge are under construction on the upper story of existing terminal. New Conveyer belts are also being installed while a tunnel would also be completed by November 30 to link passenger lounge direct with the boarding aero plane.
He further told that a cargo complex is also being constructed which will offer facility for the expeditious transportation of luggage to various international destinations.
He assured maximum facilities to the members of FCCI and requested President Mr. Shabbir Hussain Chawla to contribute his role for the beautification of this airport.
Earlier in his address of welcome Mr. Shabbir Hussain Chawla President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) paid best tribute to Airport Manager Mr. Anwar Zia for the revival of this “dead horse”. He demanded that a facilitation desk may be established at Airport for the convenience of FCCI Members. “Special protocol should also be given to them in addition to providing them access to VIPs Lounge”, he said and added that a special window should be allocated to showcase to the products of FCCI members.
Mian Javaid Iqbal former President FCCI in his vote of thanks lauded the sincere efforts of Anwar Zia and said that he will be remembered in the annuls of the history of the Faisalabad Airport. He said that the existing Airport will become insufficient to cater to the growing needs of passengers within next couple of the years. Hence, we should plan right now for a new Airport. In recognition of the efforts of Anwar Zia, he requested President FCCI to nominate him for pride of performance in addition to decorating him with a Gold Medal. Regarding under construction cargo complex, he said that it must contain a facility of cold storage so the perishable items including export of Halal Meat could also be started from this city.
Anwar Zia Airport Manager also presented a short documentary on the development of Faisalabad International airport. He also responded to the questions posed by the FCCI members.
The function was also addressed by former Presidents Engineer Rizwan Ashraf, Mr. Asim Khursheed, Abdul Qayum Sheikh, Mian Aftab Ahmed and Muzamal Sultan in addition to Rana Sikandar Azam, Yaqoob Awan and Mian Abdul Waheed. Later Mian Javaid Iqbal presented FCCI Shield to Airport Manager Mr. Anwar Zia.
