MEBA10: Al Bateen slashes landing and parking fees

Stephen Jones, the newly appointed General Manager for Al Bateen Executive Airport commented:  “We created a lot of awareness at the recent Grand Prix by offering free landing and parking services which strengthened our belief in prioritizing the offering of best levels of services at competitive prices. At the same time Al Bateen is supporting the development of based operators and their rapidly growing aircraft fleets.”

Al Bateen Executive team unveiled the new master plan model of the executive airport at MEBA 2010 which conveys ADAC’s vision of a state-of-the-art airport.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has already invested almost US$50 million in turning the 50 year-old military airport into a luxury business aviation gateway with an impressive VVIP passenger terminal.  Further plans are in place to develop new hangars and complete apron enhancements, utilities and runway work.

Expansion also includes new retail facilities catering for the needs of crew and local residents. Commercial space for lease and new development will also be available for MRO companies, manufacturers and other businesses. There are also plans to complete an onsite hotel within the next 18 months.

ADAC is forecasting commercial movements of 8,000 for the full 12 months to December 2010, an increase of over 30% versus 2009.  ADAC is projecting almost 12,000 commercial movements at the airport by 2014, the result of a combination of organic and based fleet growth.

Al Bateen is currently home to key operators: Al Jaber Aviation, XO Jet, Prestige Jet and Falcon Aviation Services with a combined fleet of around 30 business jets and helicopters.  It is also home to the first UAE-based Embraer Lineage 1000, operated by Al Jaber Aviation, which is adding to its fleet with two new Airbus aircraft and two Embraer jets. Meanwhile, XO Jet plans to add a Challenger 605 in the coming months.  Five to six more jets are scheduled to be added during 2011.