Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 3 March 2009: In a speech welcoming industry leaders to the Middle East Aviation Outlook Summit 2009 this morning, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) called for greater partnership in the aviation sector.

Hans Bakker, Chief Commercial Officer ADAC, addressing the audience

ADAC said that amidst the current global economic climate, airports and airlines must stand together and align resources and innovations in order to meet challenges head on and emerge as stronger businesses.

Commenting on the conference, HE Khalifa Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Chairman Abu Dhabi Airports Company said: "The Middle East is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world, with several key hubs being developed in GCC countries". Today, more than 50 per cent of overall aircraft orders stem from within the region, and airport expansion projects currently exceed USD $36.8 billion.

"While the region will undeniably develop and emerge as a major aviation player in the future, the right foundations must be put in place to maintain growth and ensure continued success, especially given the current economic slowdown. This includes close working relationships between airports and airlines, based on real and efficient business models, to realise greater growth within respective businesses and ensure win-win situations," he added.

As part of a panel session tomorrow (Wednesday 4 March), Mohammed Al Bulooki, Vice President, Airline Marketing and Aeronautical Revenue at ADAC, will discuss the success and growth of the private and business jet market, and will share information about Al Bateen Airport, the only airport within the region catering exclusively to this market.

The three day summit will also include a keynote presentation on Thursday 5 March by Peter Hoslin, Head of Airline Marketing at ADAC. Peter will update delegates on the recent developments and upcoming plans for Abu Dhabi International Airport, and will discuss a new breed of business model for airports, that can respond to low coast carriers and drive bottom line success.

ADAC will also deliver a White Paper to all summit delegates entitled Destination Abu Dhabi: ADAC’s role in promoting the city’s economic growth, to highlight the range of the Emirate’s aviation projects, and the way in which they support the Government’s vision for the capital as laid out in Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.

Commenting on the event, HE Al Mazrouei pointed out: "This Summit offers the opportunity for the industry to discuss and define the path for the future, and to ensure the right building blocks are in place to support anticipated growth over the next few decades. We hope that our hosting of the Summit will encourage greater participation between different bodies within the aviation industry, and boost awareness of the role we can play in making the growth of Abu Dhabi’s aviation industry a success."

The Summit, which brings together world-wide aviation leaders to address core issues facing the industry, is being held for the second year at the Rotana Beach Hotel & Towers in Abu Dhabi, running from 3 to 5 March. Alongside speeches and discussions with senior representatives from the region’s aviation industry, the event also features an associated exhibition and workshop sessions.

-ENDS-

About Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC):
Abu Dhabi Airports Company, ADAC, is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by Abu Dhabi Government. It was incorporated by Emiri Decree number 5, of March 4th, 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure. ADAC has officially taken over the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain international Airports, as of 28/09/2006. Under its mandate is the re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport, which includes the new midfield terminal – a facility that will offer a 20 million passenger per year operational capacity when its first phase opens in late 2011.

Press Office, ADAC – Abu Dhabi Airports Company 
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