KING Abdulaziz International Airport's expansion project is nearing completion and the people are earnestly awaiting its inauguration. The massive project realizes the hopes and aspirations of Saudis. During the project's various phases, officials used to visit the site and inspect newly constructed facilities. They spoke to reporters about the progress of work. This has increased people's expectations about the project and created excitement about its opening. Everyone of us should be proud of this huge airport. Pictures published after the completion of every phase reflect the airport's world-class facilities, realizing a futuristic vision. The airport's huge size and its state-of-the-art designs will make it a vital landmark in the Kingdom. Such a project is required for a fast developing economy like Saudi Arabia. It will also support the investment infrastructure of the region. An important feature of the newly developed airport is that people can reach it by trains when the Haramain Railway and Jeddah Metro projects are completed. The integration of various communication systems, which will be ready simultaneously, provides easy access to the airport for passengers to make use of its marvelous facilities. The airport's capacity would be increased to 80 million passengers in the final phase of the expansion project. Its huge buildings and equipment and the application of modern technology give the impression that it is ready to accommodate huge numbers of passengers. The airport has 200 counters for passengers to complete their travel procedures quickly in addition to 46 air bridges to board aircraft and electric walkways for people to reach passenger lounges. It also has the world's second tallest air navigation tower. All these minute details highlight the greatness of this national project, which will surely increase the excitement of passengers and visitors and its advanced services would impress them. Aircraft will be provided with jet fuel and water from underground supply stations. The airport will have a multistory parking facility, separate buildings for support services and monitoring systems, rescue and fire-fighting, crisis management, maintenance and control, in addition to a huge hotel for transit passengers with Hejazi architectural designs. It will have a huge garden spreading over an area of 18,000 square meters, an aquarium for ornamental fish with a height of 14.2 meters and width of 10 meters highlighting Jeddah's marine environment. The new airport will be decorated with four sculptures named "Dawn," which were selected through an international competition. The art works were inspired by the movement of clouds and using reflection of dual lighting above acrylic strips that highlight travel experiences. The airport project has received the special attention of Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who instructed the contractor to implement the project quickly in order to meet the needs of citizens. The governor believes that the new airport and other vital projects would take the Kingdom to the level of first world as it reflects the Kingdom's progress and prosperity. The completion of the airport project will enable Saudis to walk with pride. While taking this opportunity to commend Prince Khaled for his efforts to expedite implementation of this huge project, we expect the governor would continue to follow the airport's services even after its inauguration. Focus should also be made on the maintenance and cleanliness for the airport to remain efficient and beautiful. Its employees should be given incessant training to enhance their skills and capabilities.
