Ras Al-Khaimah International Airport (RAK) has awarded a ground handling operations contract to Kuwait-based National Aviation Services (NAS), in the first of its kind agreement for an airport in the UAE.Under the terms of the contract NAS will provide RAK with ground handling services including ramp handling as well as check-in, arrival, transit and cargo services.

In addition to its core services, Pearl Assist – NAS's worldwide network of ‘meet and assist’ services – will also be available at RAK International Airport.Andrew Gower, airport director at RAK, said: “With the rapid growth forecast for RAK, it is important that we focus our efforts on operating the airport as a business not a service.

“Outsourcing ground handling is a vital part of our ongoing development plan."Gower was appointed as airport director of Ras Al-Khaimah International Airport earlier this month, as part of the airport’s mandate to expand its operations and services in 2012.The airport's master plan includes proposals for new arrival and departure lounges, F&B outlets, Free Trade Zone, cargo facilities, parking lots and offices in a bids to meet traffic demand for the next 20 years and beyond.