How aviation has accelerated Qatar’s economic growth

How important is aviation to the economy of Qatar?

The civil aviation sector in Qatar is witnessing a significant leap forward and the industry is achieving continuous growth due to the concerted efforts of all stakeholders.

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has become one of the best in the world in terms of efficiency, service and passenger comfort. The airport is now a major hub and served almost 35 million passengers in 2018 and over 155 million passengers since it opened in May 2014 to the end of 2018. It currently sees 222,000 annual movements. HIA has a 600,000 square metre passenger terminal and the largest maintenance hanger in the world. Ultimately, HIA is expected to be able to handle over 50 million passengers, 320,000 aircraft movements and two million tonnes of cargo annually.

Qatar Airways has won awards as the best in the world while HIA is rated consistently in the top five.

The aviation industry has become a cornerstone of the Qatari economy and has contributed significantly to the acceleration of economic growth through the creation of new jobs in sectors such as tourism, trade and industry.

Why is the State of Qatar seeking election to the governing Council of ICAO? What benefits will this bring?

As a member of ICAO since 1971, Qatar has decided to seek election to the Council for the first time under Part III. Qatar is committed to the organisation, its mission, objectives and principles, which aim to provide safe, secure and sustainable development of international civil aviation, and the establishment of air transport services based on non-discrimination, equality of opportunity, and sound and economical operations. These principles have benefited Qatar and fellow ICAO Member States, particularly small states for whom air transport provides essential connectivity to the world – a necessity for economic development. International civil aviation has become one of the key pillars in the economy of Qatar.

Over the past 30 years, Qatar has developed a comprehensive, strong and modern aviation sector. This has enabled Qatar to acquire the knowledge and experience to make a significant contribution to the governance of international civil aviation as a Council Member, and to help find solutions to the many challenges facing the sector.

What have Qatar and ICAO worked on together so far?

Qatar collaborates with ICAO in numerous areas, including the field of aviation safety, security and environment. Representatives of Qatar participate in the Aviation Security (AVSEC) Panel, and five of its working groups. Recently, Qatar achieved the highest score on the ICAO Audit with a 99.1 per cent compliance rate with respect to the ICAO security provisions. Qatar participates in capacity-building efforts through the cooperative Aviation Security Programme and Regional Aviation Security Forum, to help states strengthen compliance with ICAO standards and recommended practices.

In June 2019, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), in collaboration with the cyber-security Affairs Sector of the Ministry of Transport and Communication, released ‘Aviation Cyber Security Guidelines’, which included principles and standards relating to securing critical aviation systems, in addition to best practices in electronic security in the field. The issuance of these guidelines complies with ICAO recommendations that urge all member states to apply such standards and measures, and to continue cooperation and mutual support at national and global levels.

Qatar has obtained an effective implementation rate of over 91 per cent for the ICAO safety audit; the highest score in the world. Qatar is a member of ICAO’s Facilitation Panel and its involvement with work on unmanned aerial systems has helped it publish a comprehensive national regulation.

This is a clear indication of the effectiveness of the civil aviation safety and security system in Qatar within the challenging circumstances of the unjust ongoing transport blockade imposed on the state by certain neighbours over two years ago.

In regard to the environment, Qatar’s National Vision 2030 is committed to achieving and exceeding the sustainable development goals established by the UN. The CAA uses best practices to mitigate environmental impacts of the aviation industry and achieve a sustainable aviation system. It is developing a Voluntary State Action Plan for implementation this year.

What is the Qatar- ICAO Developing Countries Programme?

This is a programme sponsored by the CAA and Qatar Aeronautical College which is ICAO certified. In 2018, the programme offered five free scholarships for studies in a variety of aviation fields intended to augment the capabilities of developing countries to meet ICAO standards. The programme will be renewed in 2019 to accept new students.

Qatar has trained over 2,000 professionals from 80 countries and territories since 1986 and has awarded more than 400 fellowships over the past 20 years to professionals from developing states. Also, in 2018, Qatar hosted the fifth ICAO Global Training Symposium.

What about financial contributions?

Qatar has made significant voluntary financial contributions to the ‘No Country Left Behind’ ICAO initiative, as well as other ICAO programmes.

Qatar is one of the most active contributors to ICAO and a recent ICAO report has ranked it 18th among the countries that support ICAO the most.

Why does Qatar deserve to be elected to the ICAO Council?

Qatar has a demonstrated record of exemplary support for international civil aviation, both generally and to ICAO as an institution. Qatar is recognised as one of the most advanced states in the field of aviation. Its national airline and principal airport are each consistently rated among the best in the world and it ranks exceedingly high in ICAO audits. It has had an outsized positive impact on aviation in the region and globally. Qatar believes it can make a significant contribution to finding solutions to the many challenges facing aviation in the years to come and so therefore is eminently qualified to assume the responsibilities of a Council Member.