Latest news with #NaifbinAlialAbri
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Old Muscat airport to be turned into leisure hub
Muscat – Plans are taking shape to redevelop Muscat's former international airport into a vibrant aviation-themed destination, with proposals including an aviation museum, shopping centres, restaurants, and other leisure and commercial attractions. Naif bin Ali al Abri, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), revealed that several investment opportunities have been proposed to breathe new life into the historic site, once the primary hub for Oman Air. Speaking to media last week, Abri said the transformation aims to create an economically viable development that honours the airport's legacy in Oman's aviation journey. 'These proposals aim to turn the old airport into a dynamic destination while preserving its historical significance. Oman Airports is currently reviewing the submissions to deter-mine the most suitable and strategic options for implementation.' Highlighting the authority's achievements, Abri noted that 2024 was a strong year for Oman's aviation sector. CAA recorded revenues of RO105mn, reflecting operational efficiency and financial sustainability. There has been marked increase in air traffic with over 540,300 aircraft transiting through Omani airspace – a 14% in-crease compared to 2023. Passenger traffic grew 2% and more than 120,000 flights were recorded during the year. Air cargo volumes exceeded 150,000 tonnes underlining robust activity in the aviation sector. Abri further pointed out that in response to the recent regional crisis, Oman hosted numerous international flights, leading to a 28% increase in air traffic over a 12-day period. In a bid to support growth and enhance service quality, CAA issued new operating permits to 19 foreign airlines in 2024. Significant upgrades were also made to national aviation infrastructure, including installation of a new air navigation radar in Jalan Bani Bu Ali to bolster airspace surveillance. Operational manuals were implemented at both Duqm and Marmul airports, while aviation security and cybersecurity policies were ratified to ensure high safety standards. The national meteorological monitoring network expanded to 80 stations, reinforcing the sultanate's climate and weather forecasting capabilities. The authority addressed and resolved 520 customer complaints in 2024, showcasing its responsiveness and dedication to service excellence.
Muscat Daily
06-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman launches first electronic Drone management platform
Muscat – The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), in collaboration with SIRB Company, has officially launched the 'Sirb Platform', the first electronic system in the Sultanate of Oman dedicated to the regulation and management of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of Sayyid Dr Kamil bin Fahd al Said, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, in the presence of senior officials, aviation sector specialists, and drone enthusiasts. The Sirb Platform has been developed to facilitate the registration of amateur drone operators, streamline licensing processes, and ensure compliance with aviation regulations. The system provides a mechanism for recording operators' data and grants licences following the completion of a basic knowledge test. Additionally, it designates authorised flying zones in coordination with military and security authorities, thereby ensuring safe and regulated drone operations. Speaking at the launch, H E Eng. Naif bin Ali al Abri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, stated: 'The introduction of the Sirb digital platform marks a significant milestone in Oman's aviation sector. It is the first platform in the Middle East designed to manage drone air traffic and is the result of over four years of collaboration between government entities and an Omani team. This initiative will support the growth of the drone sector and enhance its integration into various industries.' Malik bin Mohammed al Nabhani, co-founder and CEO of Sirb, provided an overview of the platform, highlighting its role in streamlining drone registration and licensing. He noted that the platform will provide detailed guidance on permitted and restricted flight zones, contributing to the safe and structured development of the drone industry in Oman. Licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority in 2024, the Sirb Platform is the first digital system of its kind in Oman. It is expected to enhance regulatory oversight, support technological advancements, and facilitate the responsible use of drones across various sectors. This initiative reflects Oman's commitment to embracing innovation in aviation while ensuring the safe and efficient integration of drone technology into national airspace.
