Eight Local Builders Vying for In-Flight Catering Contract

The Newly Expanded Muscat International Airport

As Muscat Airport continues with its plans to forge ahead with a major expansion of its facility, eight separate local construction firms are fighting for the rights to build a large in-flight catering complex.

The complex will be part of the multibillion dollar renewal of the airport which will also include an opulent passenger terminal, state-of-the-art baggage processing, high-tech cargo terminal, modern transport systems for patrons, cutting edge air traffic management system and ultra-modern aircraft hangars. The renovations will place Muscat as a major hub for international travel.

The $5 billion project is being overseen by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, which will determine which of eight contenders will be awarded the contract to build the in-flight catering complex. This contract is one of only two major contracts outstanding from an original collection of 13 main projects needed for the overall construction of the new airport.

The eight construction companies include Carillion Alawi, Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction, Strabag Oman, Bahwan Contracting Co, Larsen & Toubro (Oman), Muhibbah Engineering (Malaysia), Joannou & Paraskevaides (Overseas) and Galfar Engineering & Contracting.

The complex will be capable of preparing as many as 24,000 meals per day, and will use about 26,000 square meters of space. Not only will Oman Air avail itself of the food service, but other airlines which operate out of Muscat International Airport will utilize the new facility for their food needs.

The new Muscat International Airport is scheduled for completion in late 2014.