Al Bateen aircraft movements up 30pc

Al Bateen Executive Airport, a dedicated business jet airport located in Abu Dhabi, has registered a 30 per cent growth in aircraft movements in the first quarter when compared to last year.

The Al Bateen, a first-of-its-kind airport in the Mena region is being managed by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).

'With a 30 per cent increase in aircraft movements and an ILS precision approach capability upgrade being underway, the airport is establishing itself as the hub for business aviation in the Middle East, said ADAC officials at the ongoing European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE 2010) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Europe’s top private aviation industry exhibition, Ebace brings together business aviation leaders from aircraft firms including operators, manufacturers, and distributors, to brokers, handling organizations, and fractional providers as well as charter/lease companies.

The event offers ADAC an opportunity to showcase its dedicated Al Bateen Executive Airport before 400 international exhibitors and over 11,000 attendees, the officials added.

'EBACE is the key event in the private aviation calendar, and we have been delighted to showcase Al Bateen Executive Airport at the show for the second year running,' the officials said.

As part of ADAC’s strategic expansion, a multi-million dollar re-development is currently under way at Al Bateen Executive Airport, which will cover all aspects of operation from the upgrade of its airfield, hangar and aviation support facilities to the re-modeling of its passenger facilities including lounges and terminals, said the officials.

According to them, the construction of a hotel and expansion of the parking and retail facilities is also part of the master plan.

The number of private aircraft in the Middle East and Africa is continuously increasing. In 2009 there were around 530 privately and company-owned jets operating, or on order. This number is expected to grow to 1,190 by 2018, the official said, citing data.

The UAE currently has the highest concentration of business jets (37.8 per cent) in the Middle East region, followed by Saudi Arabia (34.4 per cent) and the rest of the region making up the remaining 27.8 per cent.