About SIAL     The Export Triangle of Pakistan comprising Gujrat, Sialkot and Gujranwala is internationally famous for producing and exporting sports goods, gloves, surgical instruments, sportswear, cutlery, ceramics, leather garments and other value-added items. At present air cargo for the area is sent to Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi airports via Sambrial Dry Port. It is a tough exercise indeed as it involves extra expenses and time, apart from other difficulties faced by the exporters. Moreover, the customers from abroad are hesitant and reluctant to travel to Sialkot, Wazirabad and Gujrat and it is a matter of great embarrassment and inconvenience for the exporters of this region. Due to these logistical problems, the export potential of these cities is not being realized. Hence, the demand for an airport in Gujranwala Division was voiced by the traders, businessmen, exporters and general public especially the overseas Pakistanis hailing from this area. The exporters of Sialkot had exhibited a strong will and spirit in the recent past by establishing the Sambrial Dry Port Trust and operating it successfully. While accepting the challenging task again, they took the initiative and Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry pleaded the case for the airport with the Government of Pakistan but due to financial constraints, the government expressed its inability to undertake the project. The dedicated and highly motivated exporters of Sialkot continued their efforts for the project with determination and ultimately succeeded in their mission. During the presentation made by SCCI on 2nd February in 2001, the President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf very graciously gave approval in principle for the construction of an international airport at Sialkot on Build, Own & Operate (BOO) basis and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Ministry of Defence through Civil Aviation Authority. Promoters from the private sector were invited to join the sizable project and a public limited company namely Sialkot International Airport Ltd. (SIAL) was formed and registered. The selected site measuring 1036 acres is located 16 km west of Sialkot, a 40-minute drive from Gujrat and Gujranwala cities. The land was acquired and work started on the project in January 2003. The official groundbreaking ceremony was held on 18th December 2003. Former Chief Minister Punjab, Chaudhry Pervez Elahi approved a dual carriageway to link the international airport with the Sialkot-Wazirabad dual carriageway. It comes as no surprise that the first green-field airport of the country, which has been constructed by industrialists and businessmen, incorporates the best airport facilities and meets international standards. Sufficient space has been reserved at the airport for airline offices, aircraft catering units, ground-handling services, cargo warehouses, restaurant & car parking, hotel, etc. The total cost of the international airport is Rs 2.70 billion. Domestic and international Flights started from November 30, 2007. Cargo flights will start from the airport very soon. Trucking facility from Sialkot International Airport to Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar airports is already operational. The President of Pakistan has very kindly approved the establishment of ASF, Customs, Immigration, MET and other support services free of cost at the airport. At the moment, 250 Directors are members of the SIAL Board. Sialkot International Airport is a unique project in the private sector, first of its kind in South Asia. The regional dynamics, which were lacking in this part of the country, have started picking up after the commissioning of the airport. It will speed up the transportation of export cargo by air and facilitate a great number of businessmen and overseas Pakistanis of this particular region. It will attract worldwide clients. Major strategic changes expected in the region which will change the mindset of the industrialists, exporters and business community, leading to unprecedented trade and business activities in the region. The Sialkot International Airport is ideally placed to facilitate the emerging economic possibilities.