Page 36 - AAA SEPTEMBER - OCOTBER 2017 Online Magazine

irsho
A
A
IRAN AIRSHOWW
n
ir

Iran: Next Aviation Super Power?

Airports mega projects represent generous opportunities for global
manufacturers and supply chain

By Adrienne Harebottle

tehrAn, CApitAl oF the islAMiC important facts relevant to the question and an abundance of “black gold,” Iran yields
Republic of Iran, to be the new air hub of the here is that Iran ranks second in the world considerable potential and has the capacity
region? Some people may not easily envision in natural gas reserves and fourth in proven to redefine the Middle East.
this happening. But what were their thoughts crude oil reserves. Oil rich and relatively The next question then is why. With Dubai,
tens of years back; did they see the world’s strong despite four decades of sanctions, Abu Dhabi and Doha, why should yet another a
busiest airport for international traffic being Iran has an economy characterised by the new air hub be ushered into the region? Iran’s
in the Arabian dessert? Yet, surprisingly or hydrocarbon sector, agriculture and services perspective is obvious; the country would
not, the UAE’s audacious aviation dream sectors, and a noticeable state presence in gladly welcome all the rewards afforded
was realised. The Middle Eastern, hot and manufacturing and financial services. by the world’s air hubs. Taking the pinnacle
sandy wastelands gave birth not just to In addition to significant wealth on the example, Dubai airport recorded 83.6 million
Dubai International Airport, but also to Abu back of generous and virtually untapped oil passengers in 2016, retaining its title as
Dhabi’s and Doha’s – all three are today air reserves, Iran’s location is highly favourable. the world’s No 1 airport for international
hubs, accommodating massive amounts of Tehran, similarly to Dubai, is a halfway travellers. These figures translate to a
passengers, 24/7. Could Iran too achieve this? point between Europe and Asia, and just huge economic boost; its aviation sector
According to the World Bank, Iran is as conveniently placed for connections to contributes around 27 percent of GDP. By
the second largest economy in the Middle Africa. In fact, Tehran is even better situated 2020, this figure is estimated to grow to 35
East and North Africa after Saudi Arabia. than Dubai, being further north as well as percent with the sector supporting 750,000
Its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 2016 closer to the traditional flight corridors jobs. Furthermore, the Dubai airport’s retail
is estimated at US$412.2 billion. It also has between Europe and Asia. This means that turnover is worth billions of dollars, too.
the second largest population of the region a passenger travelling from the West to Naturally, the positive impact this would have
after Egypt, with an estimated 78.8 million East will save two hours of travel time by on Iran’s economy would be colossal. But
people in 2015. Perhaps one of the most stopping in Tehran. Favourable geography beyond Iran’s interests, and the two hours
36 ASIAN AIRLINES & AEROSPACE SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/AAA