The D-8 Secretary-General, Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari visited the facility of Istanbul Sabiha International Gokcen Airport situated at the Asian side of Istanbul and met with the delegation of Airport controlling authority led by Mr. Dato’ Azmi Murad Executive Director of Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport Investment Development and Operation Inc (ISG). The motive of the visit is to strengthen the existing cooperation and create airlinks between Member States. The Secretary-General was of the view that D-8 Airport Association should be created and this should be an agenda for discussion at the next D-8 Directors General of Civil Aviation meeting. The Secretary-General also welcomed the proposal made by Mr. Azmi that Istanbul Sabhiha Gokcen International Airport would be a D-8 Designated Airport and promised to promote this unique idea in all other Member States so that there will be at least one D-8 Designated Airport in all Member States.

During the discussion, the following was agreed:

• The D-8 and ISG shall sign a letter of intent for cooperation;
• ISG will be the D-8 Designated airport
• ISG will provide Fast Track Facilities and Lounge services at the airport for all travelers from D-8 Countries;
• ISG proposed to host the D-8 Travel and Tourism Fair at the airport convention center. The details of the fair will be announced soon;
• ISG want to create airlinks and is ready to offer air rights to all D-8 countries’ airlines at the Istanbul Sabhia Gokcen International airport.