Dubai International Airport (DIA) has witnessed a phenomenal 20.2 per cent growth in passenger movement for the year 2004.
A total of 21.7 million passengers passed through the airport last year as compared to 18.06 in 2003. Cargo movement registered an 18.26 per cent growth with total freight movement of 1,111,647 tonnes in 2004 as compared to 939,966 tonnes in 2003. Aircraft movement has also shown growth of 16.21 per cent with 195,620 movements as compared to 168,511 movements in 2003.
Commenting on the annual statistics, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and chairman of Emirates, said: “The continuous growth at DIA verifies the fact that Dubai is now the business and leisure destination of the region. Over the years the DCA has continuously stressed on maintaining a very high standard for all the services and facilities provided and this has paid off.”
Not surprising then that DIA was chosen from among 750 UAE-based companies to receive the ‘Superbrand’ status at an award ceremony to mark the release of the second UAE edition of the Superbrands hardback book. The award recognises outstanding brand qualities identified with a particular brand name. The Superbrands Council in the UAE, an offshoot of the Superbrands organisation, was launched last year.