Paris, France, 16 June 2009: Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Swiss-based rotary engine manufacturer MISTRAL Engines. The agreement indicates MISTRAL's commitment to expand its production and development capacity including, flight test programmes, within the new aerospace cluster at Al Ain, the second largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The ceremonial signing took place in front of a number of dignitaries at the Paris Air Show, Le Bourget. Earlier this week, ADAC announced a landmark agreement to develop a major aviation and aerospace centre at Al Ain International Airport in the Middle East.

The MOU between ADAC and MISTRAL Engines establishes the framework to allow the two parties to explore opportunities for the development and production of MISTRAL's products in Al Ain. It is anticipated that this MOU will lead to the establishment of a research centre and production facility at the new Al Ain Aerospace Cluster.

HE Khalifa Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Chairman of ADAC, said:

"MISTRAL Engines is a world-leader in rotary engine development and it is fitting that such a high quality and innovative company such as Mistral is one of the first to work with the Al Ain Aerospace Cluster. The signing of the MoU this morning demonstrates the tremendous strength of our collaboration and points to a very promising future."

Signing on behalf of MISTRAL Engines, Philippe Durr, CEO of MISTRAL Engines said:

"We are very happy to be exploring with ADAC ways of expanding our business and activities in this strategic part of the world, within a cost-effective and high quality environment. With the imminent certification of our G-300 engine, the company is moving its emphasis from research & development into manufacturing, sales and support so the coherent benefits of the Al Ain Aerospace Cluster are very appealing to us. By including ADAC alongside our existing strategic partners, we are confident that MISTRAL's products will achieve the success we anticipate."

MISTRAL Engines has developed a comprehensive range of multi-fuel, liquid-cooled, electronically controlled engines, ranging from 200 to 360 hp, normally aspirated and turbocharged, providing a 21st century propulsion system for fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.

The engines are based on the Wankel rotary technology, perfectly adapted for General Aviation and offering enhancements in reliability, longevity, compactness, power-to-weight ratio, multi-fuel capability and ease of maintenance.

Combining cutting-edge 21st Century technology expertise, extensive in-flight testing and a thorough knowledge of the General Aviation Industry, MISTRAL Engines is on the verge of certifying the first of its engine line in the United States. European certification is expected to follow soon after.

MISTRAL's 300 hp G-300 engine is on show at the ADAC stand, (Hall 4 -Stand E46) during the Paris Air Show which will run until 21st June 2009 at Le Bourget airport. This biennial event brings together all the main players in the international aviation and aerospace industry, from airports and airlines to manufacturers and subcontractors.

-ENDS-

About Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC):
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was incorporated by Amiri Decree number 5, issued on 4th March 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure.

In September 2006 ADAC took over responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain international Airports. In 2008, ADAC added Al Bateen private jet airport, formerly Al Bateen military airbase, and Sir Baniyas Island Airport to its portfolio. These airports all serve different segments of the marketplace and help contribute to Abu Dhabi’s development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.

Currently under way is the large scale AED 25 (US $6.8) billion re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 20 million passengers per year. As part of this redevelopment, a second runway and a third terminal have been completed. A new ATC tower and the Midfield Terminal Complex will complete the redevelopment within the next few years.

Press Office, ADAC – Abu Dhabi Airports Company 
P.O. Box:       94449, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Telephone:    +971 2   505 3431
Fax:                +971 2   575 8300
Mobile:           +971 50 2205188
E-mail:           adac@fourcommunications.com
Website:        www.adac.ae 
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