The Gulf’s aviation sector continues to strengthen its global standing in the midst of exceptionally tough competition. There is now widespread recognition of the sector’s capability to offer positive spillover effect on the tourism, hospitality and events management industries, plus as its own source of employment.

Notably, new aircraft orders from GCC airlines are considered central to the survival of some types of aircraft, most recently that of the supersized Airbus A380. The double-deck aircraft can accommodate more than 500 passengers and with the possibility of a much higher figure based on configurations.

Recently, Emirates awarded a $16 billion deal for more A380s. The order comprises of 36 aircraft, including 20 confirmed and with the right to purchase another 16. Notably, Emirates’ move to order 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets worth $15 billion has reportedly triggered panic within Airbus until the new deal was concluded. Thanks to Emirates, the Dubai Airport is the busiest in the world for the movement of Airbus A380 and Boeing 777. In fact, Emirates is the largest operator in the world of both types.

Dubai International Airport is ranked the third busiest in the world by passenger traffic after Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport. Also, it is the sixth busiest cargo airport.

Dubai aims to entice some 20 million arrivals in 2020, the year it hosts the Expo. The success of the airport and its contribution to the economy serves as a model for others in the GCC. Not surprisingly, progress is underway for the expansion and reconditioning of airports.

The UAE has a role in the expansion of Bahrain International Airport at the cost of more than $1 billion. Once completed in 2020, the main terminal will be three times larger than the existing one. The expansion should strengthen the national carrier Gulf Air as it struggles to make profit.

Work is in progress for the construction of Terminal 2 at Kuwait International Airport. The Turkish Construction Company Limak Insaat is the main contractor for the massive project, estimated at $4.4 billion, and the largest ever won by a Turkish firm outside the country.

The soft opening of the new terminal at Muscat International Airport is expected during the first-half of the year. It could serve as a turning point in Oman’s aviation sector and commensurate with plans to make maximum use of the country’s tourism potential.

Saudi Arabia also plans to privatise all airports in order to develop facilities capable of delivering in a competitive industry. The scheme calls for transforming airports and related sectors into a holding company owned by a public entity.

Last year 2017 was uniquely safe for the aviation industry with no crashes recorded. Needless to say, the sector in the GCC is noted for its safety record. In fact, passengers throughout the world take pride in flying some of the world’s latest and best aircraft operated by these carriers.

The writer is a Member of Parliament in Bahrain.