Abu Dhabi, UAE, 28 June 2009: Al Bateen Executive Airport has secured full aerodrome certification from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in recognition of its high standards in all areas of operations. The certification for compliance with aerodrome regulations for civil aviation marks the completion of the airport's transformation from a military airbase to the private and corporate jet airport managed by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).

H.E Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA presents the aerodrome certification to HE Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Chairman of ADAC.

To achieve certification the airport has demonstrated high standards across all aspects of airport operations, including infrastructure and systems such as all aircraft manoeuvring areas (taxiway, runway and apron) and Air Traffic Control. Procedures and processes related to the safety and security of the airport and its operations are also key to winning the licence, which confirms that Al Bateen Executive Airport is fully compliant with national and international regulations and recommended practices outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Al Bateen Executive Airport is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, only 10 minutes drive from the capital city's core business district, and it offers unrivaled convenience and comfort to business travelers and VIPs. As the only exclusive luxury business jet airport in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the demand for its facilities is already high. The airport is currently in the process of being upgraded to meet anticipated future requirements.

HE Khalifa Al Mazrouei, ADAC Chairman, said:

"ADAC plays a key role in actualizing Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 and supporting the projected growth and diversification of the Emirate's economy with the required air transport infrastructure. From the niche private jet facility at Al Bateen Executive Airport, to our busy hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, and from the idyllic Sir Bani Yas Island Airport to the efficient low cost carrier hub Al Ain International Airport, we serve the full spectrum of aviation needs.

"I am delighted to receive this certification on behalf of ADAC for Al Bateen Executive Airport. We are fully committed to safety and security and this aerodrome license acknowledges this dedication and serves as an important milestone for the airport.

"Al Bateen Executive Airport offers exceptional convenience and flexibility. Business travelers and VIPs with time pressures will appreciate the fast security clearance, the total lack of queues and waiting time, and direct access to the aircraft. Alternatively, they can relax in one of the luxurious lounges prior to boarding. Private jet operators have the option to provide their own flavour of client service through establishing their own airport lounges, or they can offer access to one of ADAC's existing lounges which are being upgraded this year."

The luxurious airport which is designed to the highest international standards features four premium lounges equipped by the latest technologies, first-class catering, quick and efficient turnaround times and the highest quality of passenger services.

The AED 200 million upgrade of the facilities at Al Bateen Executive Airport will ensure it can meet the increasing demands of the private and business jet market within the region, which is currently valued at between US$500 million and US$700 million a year, and is expected to grow by between 15% and 20% until 2012 (CAPA).

Future developments at the airport include securing additional airport land to create new airside, landside, and facility space. ADAC will manage upgrade of the airfield, which will include the acquiring of new equipment, improvements to the terminal as well as landside access and parking.

-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 
Time Zone:   GMT/UTC +4