Amman: The Ministry of Transport and Airport International Group have formalized a joint declaration, committing to the ongoing development and modernization of Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA).
According to Jordan News Agency, the declaration was signed by Minister of Transport Wesam Tahtamouni and Airport International Group Chairman Fernando Echegaray, witnessed by the Group's Board of Directors and other key stakeholders. This follows last year's decision by the Jordanian government to extend the Group's Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession agreement until 2039. The extension underscores a mutual dedication to continue investing in QAIA's rehabilitation, expansion, and operations, aiming to uphold the highest standards of safety, security, and operational efficiency.
Both parties expressed their commitment to enhancing the passenger experience with premium services, real estate development, and innovation, while also focusing on sustainability through reducing carbon emissions and adopting renewable energy solutions.
Minister Tahtamouni highlighted the extension as a crucial move to bolster QAIA's prominence as a leading regional and global aviation hub. She stated that this aligns with Jordan's strategic objectives to support the air transport sector and enhance the airport's international competitiveness. She also stressed the importance of continuous improvements in passenger services, infrastructure upgrades, and advanced technology integration across airport facilities to ensure an efficient travel experience.
Tahtamouni outlined several projects, including expanding capacity to accommodate 18 million passengers annually, installing nine electronic security gates, enhancing water supply, upgrading security checkpoints, constructing a solar farm, and studying the rehabilitation of the southern runway. These initiatives are aimed at boosting operational efficiency, service levels, and sustainability.
She emphasized that QAIA's development requires ongoing collaboration among stakeholders to sustain high performance standards and aviation competitiveness, contributing to national economic growth and reinforcing Jordan's role as a key air transport hub.
Echegaray remarked that the strategic partnership with the Jordanian government and support from the Ministry of Transport have been vital in establishing QAIA as a world-class facility. He noted that extending the concession agreement until 2039 reflects confidence in the Group's capability to elevate QAIA's position in the global aviation sector, highlighting the importance of government collaboration in executing large-scale infrastructure projects.
Echegaray added that despite challenges such as the global pandemic, the Group remains committed to furthering QAIA's success and contribution to Jordan's economy.
Airport International Group CEO Nicolas Deviller described the extension as a significant achievement, reinforcing the strength of public-private partnerships in transforming national infrastructure. He stated that the Group's future priorities include expanding capacity and connectivity, integrating smart technologies, and advancing sustainability, with confidence in QAIA's potential to support Jordan's aviation and tourism sectors, generate employment, and drive economic growth.