Ras al khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah International Airport has announced a strategic partnership with Falcon Executive Aviation, part of Alex Group Investment, to develop a VVIP terminal and private jet hangar. This initiative aims to elevate the emirate's profile as a global entertainment and tourism hub by attracting high-profile travelers to the Northern Emirates.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement was made during the Dubai Airshow, where an agreement was signed to establish a new 'Fixed Base Operation' facility. The planned development includes a 1,500-square-metre terminal, an 8,000-square-metre multi-purpose hangar, and 9,000 square metres of apron and parking space. The airport's location near Ras Al Khaimah's beach resorts and the future Wynn Al Marjan Island resort is anticipated to enhance its attractiveness to private aviation clientele.
Eng. Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah's Department of Civil Aviation and RAK International Airport, emphasized the project's significance in positioning the emirate as an international destination. He noted that the development supports sustainable tourism growth and integrates advanced technology and environmental design, representing a long-term investment in the emirate's economic diversification.
Sultan Rashit Abdulla Rashit Al Shene, Founder and Chairman of Alex Group Investment, highlighted that the expansion into Ras Al Khaimah aligns with the company's vision to improve private aviation services across the UAE. The facility aims to merge luxury, operational capability, and sustainability, complementing the group's existing services at Dubai Al Maktoum's VIP terminal.
The VVIP terminal will feature a Royal lounge, four VVIP lounges, and premium hospitality areas, catering to the needs of discreet, high-profile travelers. The airside infrastructure will support the latest private aviation requirements, including aircraft parking, a helipad, and space for emerging vertical mobility solutions.
Designed to meet international aviation standards, the facility will offer the Falcon Signature Experience, ensuring privacy, efficiency, and personalized service. Its hangar complex will accommodate various private jets, including ultra-long-range aircraft, with maintenance and operational capabilities adhering to global benchmarks.
Sustainability is a core focus of the project, with plans to achieve LEED Gold certification for the terminal and hangars. The initiative includes offsetting 35 percent of energy consumption through solar power, adopting electric ground support equipment, and enabling the use of sustainable aviation fuel, supporting the goal of net-zero operational emissions.
The development represents a significant investment in Ras Al Khaimah's aviation sector, expected to deliver economic benefits to the emirate, strategically located within four hours' flying time of one-third of the world's population. Construction is expected to take about 15 months, with the opening scheduled for Q1 2027.