Royal Aviation Kuwait and Mercury Air Group Open New Royal Terminal

Royal Terminal in Kuwait is as lavish as an upscale hotel.Mercury Air Group, Inc., the U.S.-based global leader in aviation services, has started flight operations at the Royal Terminal, Kuwait, the largest private aviation terminal in the Middle East. Located at Kuwait International Airport (KWI), the facility is owned by Royal Aviation Kuwait. Designed and constructed by Mott MacDonald Group of London, England, and Gulf Consult of Saudi Arabia, the Royal Terminal has more than 100,000 square feet (10,000 square meters) on three levels and incorporates an ultra-modern design blending aerodynamic architectural features with panoramic glass vistas. Lead designer, Mott MacDonald Group brings more than 100 years of experience in transportation engineering and design with projects in 140 countries. The UK's Sunday Times has named Mott MacDonald Group one of England's "Top 20 Best Big Companies" in 2007.

The world-class Royal Terminal of Royal Aviation Kuwait is a $42 Million Fixed Base Operation (FBO) that includes many amenities found only in the world’s most lavish hotels. It includes upscale boutiques and couture shops, a five-star restaurant and various lounges to accommodate the needs of commercial and VIP customers as well as heads of state. The shops and restaurant are scheduled to open later this summer.

“Mercury Air Group has looked forward to operating this magnificent facility and offering our brand of unparalleled aviation services that promises discriminating comfort, security, safety and exacting service,” said Joseph A. Czyzyk, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for Mercury Air Group. “Anyone traveling to Kuwait will find the Royal Terminal to be the crowning jewel in the FBO service industry.” Czyzyk also said that it was an impressive yet functional facility that not only raised the bar in the Middle East, but also set a new world standard for meeting the needs of business aviation customers.

Mercury Air Group signed a management services agreement in 2007 to operate the new facility through Royal Aviation Kuwait, a wholly-wned subsidiary of United Projects Company, which is a member of Kuwait Investment Projects Company (KIPCO), the largest private sector investment company in the State of Kuwait.

According to Mubarak Mohammad Al-Mascati, Chairman of Royal Aviation Kuwait, Mercury Air Group was selected to operate the new facility based on Mercury’s decades of FBO experience. “We are extremely pleased to have Mercury Air Group as our operating partner,” Al-Mascati said. “Their international reputation for delivering exceptional customer service made them the perfect choice for managing our new facility.” He also said Mercury was committed to enhancing the growth of business aviation and aircraft charter in Kuwait. “We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship,” Al-Mascati said.

Although the grand opening is not scheduled until this June, basic aircraft flight services have been inaugurated, including line service and fueling operations. Also, Mercury is providing expanded concierge services that include not only hotel accommodations and transportation arrangements, but also flight scheduling and dispatch services for the flight crews.

John Enticknap, Vice President of Mercury Air Group, said that the finishing touches on are proceeding for the retail and restaurant portions of the terminal as planned, but that the company is now able to process business aviation arrivals and departures. “When we have our grand opening, all areas will be fully functional including our non-scheduled airline and charter services section, which includes separate areas set aside for ticketing and customs,” Enticknap said.

Enticknap said the level of hospitality offered at the facility would add a ‘Royal Touch’ to every aspect of service. “The State of Kuwait has a long history of royal traditions that make this a unique destination,” he said. “From our personalized arrival and departure services to our various private lounges, the level of service and hospitality will delight our customers who will be treated like royalty.”

FBO amenities include advanced flight planning services, Wi-Fi internet access, beverage services in the lounges, including traditional Arabian coffee/tea and confections, in-flight catering, auto rentals, limousine services, immigration and customs, landing and over-fly permits, cargo handling, long term parking facilities, conference center, meeting rooms and fine dining.

A unique aspect of the ramp and apron area is a series of large aircraft shade ports that protect passengers and crews from the elements. Two shade ports provide cover for up to eight large transport size business aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.In addition, covered auto parking is available for passengers.

Royal Terminal Kuwait by the Numbers
Terminal Size: More than 100,000 square feet (10,000 square meters)
Aircraft Shade Ports: 2 shade ports providing 8 covered aircraft spaces, large enough for transport size business aircraft such as Boeing 737 and Airbus A320
Lounges: 4 customer lounges, 2 pilot’s lounges, and multiple crew rest areas
Shopping: 8 upscale boutique and couture shops
Dining: 1 Five-star rated restaurant and 1 Specialty coffee house
Ticketing: 4 ticket counters for non-scheduled airline and charter service
Covered Parking: 30 private auto covered parkingspaces
Customs: 2 customs areas, immigration and VISAS processing
Cost: $42 million