Al Bateen Executive Airport posts 30% increase in aircraft movements in Q1

Al Bateen Executive Airport posts 30% increase in aircraft movements in Q1

Abu Dhabi’s private jet airport attracts attention at EBACE, Geneva .

May 10, 2010 11:45 by Rasha Reslan

10th May, 2010, Abu Dhabi, UAE: The newly GCAA-certified Al Bateen Executive Airport, the Gulf Region’s first and only dedicated private aviation airport, has announced a 30% increase in aircraft movements in the first quarter of 2010 versus the same period last year. The announcement was made in Geneva at the 10th European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE 2010); Europe’s premier private aviation industry exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland.

EBACE is the annual meeting place for the European business aviation community. The exhibition brings together business aviation leaders from aircraft firms including operators, manufacturers, and distributors, to brokers, handling organizations, and fractional providers as well as charter/lease companies. This offers Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) an opportunity to showcase its dedicated private jet airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport situated in the heart of Abu Dhabi amongst 400 international exhibitors and more than 11,000 attendees.

ADAC’ senior officials attending EBACE commented: “EBACE is the key event in the private aviation calendar, and we have been delighted to showcase Al Bateen Executive Airport at the show for the second year running. With a 30% increase in aircraft movements and an ILS precision approach capability upgrade being underway, the airport is establishing itself as the hub for business aviation in the Middle East. The airport saw high level of interest in its facilities and services and this interest is expected to continue to rise.”

As part of ADAC’s strategic expansion, a multi-million dollar re-development is currently under way at Al Bateen Executive Airport, which will cover all aspects of operation from the upgrade of its airfield, hangar and aviation support facilities to the re-modeling of its passenger facilities including lounges and terminals. The construction of a hotel and expansion of the parking and retail facilities is also part of the master plan.

As per ADAC’ sources the number of private aircraft in the Middle East and Africa is continuously increasing; in 2009 there were around 530 privately and company-owned jets operating, or on order. This number is expected to grow to approximately 1,190 by 2018. Al Bateen Executive Airport, only 5 km from Abu Dhabi city centre, is perfectly poised to support operators wishing to service the regional and international demand.

The UAE currently has the highest concentration of business jets (37.8%) in the Middle East region, followed by Saudi Arabia (34.4%); the rest of the region making up the remaining 27.8%.