Eng. Milad M. Matouk Director of Tripoli International Airport

United World: What you feel is the importance of the transportation sector and of air transport in particular, in Libya?

Eng. Milad M. Matouk: As a Libyan citizen, I can say that transportation is one of the most important elements of the country's development program, which is closely linked to the tourism sector for example. I think everybody would agree that both transport and communication systems are important factors for creating a link between peoples and countries. Libya is a big country, and Africa is a massive continent, and the best way to get to another continent or country, is via air. With long-distance flights, airplanes need to transit somewhere and due to our geographic location in North Africa, I feel that Libya can potentially act as a hub for most air routes via Europe, Africa and the Middle East. All our airports can take on that function, whether it's Tripoli, Sebha, or Benghazi, etc. It would be very convenient for the airline industry. We can also stimulate business with cargo flights, and naturally tourism.
During the embargo period, the aviation sector was hard-hit in all areas, ranging from aircrafts, airport facilities, to human resources…you name it. Since the embargo was lifted, the aviation sector, which is under the umbrella of the Civil Aviation Authority, has been doing its best to improve the aviation facilities, starting with air navigation, good air-traffic systems, communication systems, runways and landing facilities. This is what we have been working on. We have been successful so far. We serve all the inbound and outbound flights, as well as over-flights, which is increasing; we have about 120 over-flights a day. The demand is high because Libya is in the middle of North Africa and is located at strategic point in the routes of many airlines. We have recently opened a new air aviation center, which is well equipped with up-to-date facilities; you can cross over Libya safely. We are now in the process of finishing the installation of radar systems all over the country, to enhance the safety of air navigation. We also need to improve the airport facilities in particular; the capacity, the runways, the terminal buildings to facilitate transit for passengers and cargo. We have a very good strategy in the civil aviation to improve all airports in the country. We play a crucial role in attracting business and tourism to Libya, so it is very important. Naturally, our development plans need a lot of financial support and we think that opening the way for big investors to share these costs is one way of improving our infrastructure and services. We would like to avoid attracting only contracting companies, which sell their know-how, take the money and leave. We would like foreign companies to get more involved and agree on investment plans which follow project developments from A to Z and where profits and losses are shared by both parties. The potential is there; there are real opportunities for foreign investors in this field. Airports around the world have become like mini-tourist cities, we want the same here and this is why we are open to foreign investors. Whoever is capable of assisting or investing us in developing our airport facilities are more than welcome.

United World: Are you already engaged in talks with any investors in particular?

Eng. Milad M. Matouk: Yes. We have had many talks with European companies in particular (German, French, Italian, British), as well as Americans and Japanese. Of course, it's always best to take things slowly and discuss matters thoroughly till we determine what the best possible deal; in price and quality, which serves both interests.

United World: Are there any deadlines that are readers could be interested in?

Eng. Milad M. Matouk: We think that Tripoli International airport in particular, should start its development program by 2006; we feel it should be complete by 2009/10, including perhaps the development of the Benghazi and Sebha airports. This is what we are aiming for and we are ready for negotiations.

United World: Are you more interested in capital investment or technological partnerships with foreign companies?

Eng. Milad M. Matouk: It should be both; it's a mixed business. However, the technology needs are a first priority. But technology needs support; you can't really distinguish between the two factors because they go in parallel. As I mentioned earlier, we have long engaged in a buy and sell type of business and I think this needs to change by involving the other parties more.

United World: Libya seems to be more adept to dealing with European countries when doing business. Are you comfortable working with American companies?

Eng. Milad M. Matouk: I think the past experiences of both Libyans and Americans should clarify that today's motto is to start all over again and forget about the past. The world should realize that we no longer live in a world with big/small countries and markets, no more upper-hand and lower-hand. What we should put on the table is a good program that should sell the interest of the world, not just any two countries. We should all think in a positive manner and work towards improving the lifestyles and interests of our people. We need to sit together and discuss new program and ways of working together; the means exist and the potential is there when it comes to Libya. We should put our heads together, think positive and serve both sides, including the rest of the world.

United World: There has been a lot of talk about airport renovations. Can you tell us a little about the short-term projects that are being implemented?

Eng. Milad M. Matouk: The short term projects include the refurbishing of runways and the installation of new airport facilities, like air navigation equipment and communications systems. European companies are involved in some of these projects. We need to build a new terminal and perhaps add some runways and extend the airport.

United World: Do you have any figures available of passenger and cargo traffic into Libya?

Eng. Milad M. Matouk: Before the embargo, we reached an estimated three million passengers a year that passed through Tripoli airport. Today, we are trying to regain that figure; we currently stand at an estimated 1.5 million a year for passengers and its gradually increasing. However, the facilities need to be developed, regardless of the numbers. At the time this airport was built, leisure in airports around the world was not an important factor, and today it is. We have not developed in that regard the way other airports around the world have.

United World: What would you say are the comparative advantages of Libya vesus neighboring countries?

Eng. Milad M. Matouk: Our geographic position is unique and thankfully, so is our security. This is the safest country in the region.

United World: Tell us a little about yourself.

Eng. Milad M. Matouk: I was always a civil aviation man. I'm not an outsider. I did my studies in the civil aviation department, so I'm a pedigree in the sector. Before being appointed as director of this airport, I was the director of the Project Development department at the CAA. I had the pleasure of creating new development programs and new projects for air navigation. This profession is in my blood! I hope I will one day witness this airport as a developed one that matches the standards of others around the world. This place is like my home; I want to see things improve while I'm still in the job.