Reporting: Ahmed Jamaan –Mohamed Saeed bin Mohaimeed –Ibrahim Youssef –Saeed Abu Wazeer –Arif Abdo
Khalifa Foundation has achieved a remarkable development in Socotra International Airport since starting its developmental and humanitarian support to the Airport. The Foundation implemented several projects that promoted position of Socotra International Airport for the first time in its history.
Salem Mohamed Salem Hamood, Representative of Airport Development Unit at Khalifa Foundation, mentioned that Khalifa Foundation has worked hard on arrangement of needs and requirements for implementation of developmental projects in Socotra. The Foundation worked on constructing a full mesh fence around the Airport in accordance with global standards in addition to provision of integrated solar power system to lighting the airport runway.
He highlighted that Khalifa Foundation re-qualified the Airport in full with distinguished design, and added several service facilities including VIP Hall and renovation of arrival and terminal halls in addition to inspection hall, ground handling services, and security offices.
He added that the Airport was supported with firefighting system and workers were trained on this system in addition to being provided with necessary equipment. Furthermore, Airport was provided with electricity in addition to handling building, and it was provided with helicopters for transporting patients and 6 gyrocopters for searching for the lost in addition to 2 hangers for small planes.
He also mentioned that Khalifa Foundation concerned with supporting the Airport with all necessary facilities and services as applicable in international airports in accordance with the international specifications. It was worth noting that Khalifa Foundation concerned with providing an international airline through coordination with Royal Jet for two flights a week to the Island from UAE.
In this regard, Socotra Online met officials of the Airport and social influencers to recognize their feedback on the effort of renovation of the Airport. Ali Salem Mohamed, Head of Maintenance Department, thanked the United Arab Emirates for the generous support in implementation of projects that would promote position of the Airport globally.
Mr. Essa Saeed Al Hakmi, Secretary General of Local Council of Qalansiyah and Abd Al Kuri and Acting Director General of Qalansiyah, commended the great achievements by UAE in Socotra International Airport. He added that the Airport has witnessed outstanding modification that would make people happy.
Mr. Salem Saeed Saad mentioned that development of the Airport would be very important for development of the Island because of its economic importance. He also highlighted that achievements by Khalifa Foundation should be utilized for helping people.
Sheikh Saad Atan, Sheikh of Maala, highlighted that rehabilitation and renovation of Socotra International Airport to keep up with the international standards would help people of Socotra to overcome many obstacles.
