A state-of-the-art Testing and Training Centre for Muscat International and Salalah Airports was opened with primary objectives of offering training programs for the stakeholders and mitigating risks associated with airport operations. Opened under the auspices of Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communication, the center forms a critical component of the ambitious Muscat and Salalah airport expansion projects.
"We are celebrating the opening of one of the most critical components of the Muscat International and Salalah Airports projects today," Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, CEO, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said. The total cost of developing Muscat and Salalah airports stood at about RO 2.3 billion. He pointed out that the actual training has already started and it is expected to train 150 persons by the end of this year.
In July 2011, Ultra Electronics was awarded a contract of RO 127 million for the Master System Integration for the Muscat and Salalah airports by the Ministry of Transport and Communication.
The Master System Integrator package includes the design, delivery, installation and commissioning of the airport operational systems and building systems. The communication and network and the security infrastructure required by both airports can also be extended to other airports in due course of time.
"Within the package Ultra Electronics is also providing a temporary testing and training facility the purpose of which is to test the equipment and the applications that will be installed to ensure smooth functioning of the two airports," Al Aufi further said.
"The keynote point to be noted in this facility is that in the process of testing all the different equipment the facility will cost the approximately RO 7 million which would be required to test all the equipment in the facility. Additionally, prior to shipping the equipment to the final destination, we expect that the pre-staging area of the facility would probably cost in order of RO 15 million worth of equipment."
It is agreed that Ultra will also train a significant number of operation staff from the different groups including staff from the airport managing company, Royal Oman Police, the security wing and anyone who actually requires training will be provided with. Ultra will also establish, at the end of this, an ongoing support desk, within the facility.
"It follows 'Train the Trainer' whereby key individuals are trained and ultimately its cascaded down to the other employees in the organization". Rakesh Sharma, Chief Executive, Ultra Electronics said:, "We are happy to be opening the Testing and Training Facility at the Muscat International Airport premises and this is a manifold Facility."
"This will primarily aim at testing the airport equipment and mitigating operational risks. It will also aim at offering quality services to its stakeholders and design training and development programs for the entire staff of both airports".
Kalat Ghuloom al Balooshi, CEO, Oman Investment Cooperation LLC also spoke on the occasion. Later, a tour of the facility was provided to the gathering.
Oman Daily Observer
17 February
