Sharjah
Despite a 3.61 per cent dip in March, freight throughput recorded by Sharjah International Airport during first quarter 1999 edged up 1.85 per cent to 125,456 tonnes, as compared to first-quarter 1998.

Sea-air cargo meanwhile surged 23.72 per cent to 11,895 tonnes as companies operating out of the adjoining Saif Zone complex continued to tap into the logistical advantages afforded.

Sharjah has in recent years emerged as the leading freight hub in the region, being named the top cargo airport in the Middle East for the last two years running. Its performance therefore offers a useful indicator of commercial activity levels in the region.

The encouraging figures were achieved despite a 9.91 per cent tailoff in flight movements to 6,759, as the global economic slowdown continued to cast a slowly lengthening shadow on regional business activity.

The tourism industry however appeared to be holding up well despite the adverse conditions, as passenger flows indicated: a marginal easing of 0.96 per cent to 293,596 holidaymakers and other travelers.

The steady performance was attributed to the festivals organized in and around the emirate.

Airport officials professed satisfaction at the overall results.

"While there has been a drop in March, we are still faring well on average," said Jamal Akram, director, marketing and research.

He however warned against undue optimism, pointing out that 1999 could prove a "difficult" year due to the ongoing global recession which, while on the mend, could yet take some time before effecting a recovery.

CIS trade

While trade shipments to the CIS region remained satisfactory, Russia continued to exert a moderating influence due to the ongoing domestic turmoil and the unstable rouble rate, he said.

"But there are still some bright spots: Libya has now opened up and could prove a major market, and so too could Palestine and Iraq later in the year," he added.

The official pointed out that Sharjah Airport Authority was meanwhile continuing its phased Dh100 million development and expansion programme.

The Dh18 million runway extension project designed to lengthen it by 300 metres to 4,060 metres - together with attendant equipment installation - was set for completion this month, while the new Dh40 million business cargo terminal was scheduled to go operational in August, he added.