Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport will be receiving valuable upgrades to their passenger boarding and baggage handling systems as per a new disclosure by Oman Airports.

This came following an agreement that was signed by Oman Airports with Netherlands-based Vanderlande Industries BV for the operation and maintenance of baggage handling and boarding bridge systems (also known as the sky or jet bridge) at Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport for a period of six (6) years.

The agreement was signed by Sheikh Ayman Ahmed Al Hosni, the CEO of Oman Airports; and Patrick Verhoeven, the CEO of Airports EMEA at Vanderlande.

Saud Nasser al Hubaishi, Vice President of Muscat International Airport and Acting Chief of Operations at Oman Airports, said: “At Oman Airports, we are constantly working to improve services at our airports by searching for the latest and most operational programs to ensure the best levels are reflected in a seamless experience for all travellers making use of Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport.”

Al Hubaishi added: “Due to the busy activity at Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport throughout the year, we at Oman Airports are working to keep up with this growth by offering our finest services to all flyers and airport users.

“This is to ensure they have a pleasant experience, and that their arrival and departure, and receiving their personal luggage is a smooth and efficient process.

This agreement, therefore, supports the provision of services and maintenance at our airports by a global company with extensive experience in managing, operating and maintaining baggage handling systems and boarding bridges.”

The Vice President of Muscat International Airport and Acting Chief of Operations at Oman Airports further explained: “Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport are undergoing a radical change in terms of user experience, which is laying the foundation for long-term operational excellence, and for the prioritising of the health, safety, and security of all passengers and employees.

“Oman Airports continues to develop all its operational processes by providing world-class airport operating systems, and by implementing the highest safety standards supported by the latest smart, innovative solutions – thus enhancing the confidence, safety and security of our passengers.”

Al Hubaishi also explained that the Baggage Handling System includes strap belts for return trip luggage, as well as strap belts for luggage coming to Muscat. Larger luggage regulations are also in place, including two departure packing straps and two transfer packing straps. The contract also includes ensconcing servers for baggage handling systems – including servers for sorting systems, servers for CCTV systems, and servers for monitoring and control systems.

Patrick Verhoeven, CEO of Airports EMEA at Vanderlande, said that the company is confident with the goals adopted by Oman Airports to provide the best services to passengers through Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport – especially in light of the growth in the number of tourists and passengers in Oman as a result of its strategic location and its abundant tourism resources, as well as the increase in the number of airlines operating through these Omani airports throughout the year.