AIG committed to development of Amman’s gateway to the world

Airport International Group, operator of Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport, has signed a joint declaration with the Jordanian government reaffirming its commitment to the continued development and modernisation of the country’s gateway to the world.

The declaration was signed by the Minister of Transport, Her Excellency, Wesam Tahtamouni, and AIG chairman, Fernando Echegaray, in the presence of the Group’s Board of Directors and relevant stakeholders.

The joint declaration follows the government’s decision last year to extend AIG’s Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession for Queen Alia until 2039.

The decision, says AIG, ensures continued investment in the rehabilitation, expansion and operation of Queen Alia International Airport.

With this renewed commitment, the Ministry of Transport and Airport International Group reinforced their focus on upholding the highest standards of safety, security and operational efficiency at QAIA.

Both parties also emphasised their dedication to enhancing the passenger experience through premium services, real estate development, innovation and stakeholder incentives, while advancing sustainability initiatives by reducing carbon emissions and adopting renewable energy solutions.

Tahtamouni asserted that extending the concession agreement is pivotal to developing and strengthening Queen Alia’s position as a leading regional and global aviation centre.

She noted that this step aligns with the Jordanian government’s strategy to support the air transport sector and boost QAIA’s international competitiveness.

Tahtamouni also outlined several completed and ongoing projects within the airport, including a capacity expansion plan to accommodate 18 million passengers annually, the installation of nine state-of-the-art electronic security gates and a water supply enhancement project.

Other projects are said to include a security checkpoint upgrades at the airport’s entrances and exits, an under-construction solar farm and studies for rehabilitating the southern runway.

She emphasised that these projects seek to enhance operational efficiency and elevate passenger service levels while prioritising sustainability and technological advancement.

AIG’s Echegaray said that the extension of the concession agreement until 2039 reflects the strong vote of confidence from both the government and shareholders, reaffirming their trust in Airport International Group’s ability to further elevate the airport within the global aviation industry.

He also noted that this achievement serves as a testament to the significant role of government collaboration in successfully delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.

“Despite the challenges we faced, particularly the global pandemic, we have emerged stronger and more committed to furthering Queen Alia’s success, ensuring it continues to thrive as a model of excellence and a key contributor to Jordan’s economy,” commented Echegaray.