The Government of Sharjah and Air BP, a leading global marketer of aviation fuels and related support services, have jointly inaugurated a US$ 32 million, jet fuel facility designed to boost Sharjah International Airport’s operational capabilities and increase its potential refueling capacity in line with the northern emirate’s projected aviation industry growth. The 50,000 metric ton state-of-the-art facility is located in the Hamriyah Free Zone and comprises a 45,000 square metres jet fuel storage terminal and 45 km long pipeline linked directly with the airport. The new development coincides with the rapid growth of Sharjah’s aviation industry spearheaded partly by Air Arabia’s successful operations following its launch a few years ago as the region’s first low cost carrier. The flow of cargo traffic has also reached record highs in recent years with Sharjah Airport now considered one of the region’s largest cargo hubs.
Speaking during an official ceremony held yesterday in the emirate to officially open the facility, Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah Petroeum Company said: “This is a major milestone in Sharjah’s bid to cement its credentials as a forward planning regional aviation hub for both passenger and cargo traffic and is in line with our urban planning policies aimed at reducing road congestion and CO2 emissions.
”The new facility is a highly strategic asset and it will provide a solid growth platform for Sharjah’s aviation sector and its flagship airline Air Arabia, whilst introducing internationally accepted safety and environmental standards for the emirate’s people, today and for the future.” The facility will be managed by Anabeeb, a joint venture set up between the Government of Sharjah and Air BP, which was instrumental in the design and implementation of the project.
Air BP Chief Executive Officer, Rita Griffin said: “Air BP is proud to have contributed to the strategic achievement of Anabeeb. This project has enabled BP to contribute its expertise and utilize state-of-the-art technology and monitoring equipment to ensure a safe and reliable service to the airport. It has been designed with the highest priority given to health, safety and environment and will help eliminate some 50 round trips by fuel tankers on Sharjah’s roads every day, which will benefit safety and reduce carbon emissions and congestion in and around the city. “The project is part of BP’s long standing commitment to play a major role in the development of energy resources in Sharjah for our mutual benefits.
Anabeeb has taken our 25-year relationship with the emirate one step further and we are delighted to help provide such a valuable and much needed service to the region”, she added. Air BP is currently the largest fuel supplier to Air Arabia and is a 49% partner in Sharjah Aviation Services Co (SASCO) which manages the fuel systems and Into-Plane services at the airport. The Anabeeb operations will also enhance the strategic importance of BP Sharjah which already operates three gas fields along with a processing plant, gas compression facilities and two liquid gas export terminals in the emirate.
