Abu Dhabi, UAE, 8 March 2009: Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is benchmarking against international best practices as it progresses towards creating a world-class airport hub.

Rendering of the new airport

Providing a rare insight into the design fundamentals of the large-scale AED25 billion (US$6.8 billion) redevelopment programme at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Mrs. Sheikha Al Maskari, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, said:

"There are three key areas to consider in design and benchmarking when undertaking such a substantial airport redevelopment project. First, we considered our passengers and how we engineered their journey through the airport. Taking into account everything from walking times to way-finding and immigration, our airport design has ensured the optimal journey.

"The second consideration was the aircraft. We considered all the factors that affect aircraft using the airport, such as runway capacity, classifications and taxi times. Thirdly, we took into consideration airport support facilities such as catering and cargo automation.

"These three considerations are the foundation for any airport design project to ensure optimum functionality and usability is achieved."

The new airport project, currently under way at Abu Dhabi International Airport, is designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 20 million passengers per year. A second new runway and a third terminal have already been completed as part of this project. A second, new Air Traffic Control (ATC) is underway and the Midfield Terminal Complex, also known as the new airport, will complete the redevelopment plan in few years time.

Highlighting the importance of linking the redevelopment of Abu Dhabi’s airport to Abu Dhabi’s "Plan 2030", Mrs. Al Maskari concluded:

"We know demand for facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport will increase exponentially in tandem with the development and growth of Abu Dhabi as outlined in Plan 2030. Our ambitious redevelopment project at the airport will provide capacity whilst upholding the highest standards in airport design."

-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 
P.O. Box:          94449, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Telephone:      +971 2   505 3482
Fax:                 +971 2   575 8300
Mobile:            +971 50 813 3145
E-mail:             achupeau@adac.ae
Website:          www.adac.ae 
Time Zone:      GMT/UTC +4