The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is proud to be part of the team promoting the capital emirate at the World Travel Market (WTM),” says Khalifa Al Mazrouei, ADAC’s Chairman and Managing Director. “This unique forum will allow us to network with industry leaders and promote our products and services.”
“It is a fine opportunity to showcase our plans and to interact with key players in the industry who will flock to London for the big event.”
Abu Dhabi, an Emirate long renowned for its oil wealth, has embarked on a substantial campaign placing it in the limelight as a dynamic centre of business and tourism.
This campaign has underscored the need for a major redevelopment of the aviation sector. ADAC was created in March 2006 to spearhead an ambitious drive to build up an ultramodern aviation industry for the Emirate.
A US$ multi-billion programme is underway to transform Abu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA) into a world-class facility. The programme is but one aspect of a full-fledged Government strategy that will see the UAE capital Emirate evolve into an international business and tourism hub.
The Airport’s annual passenger handling capacity has been substantially boosted since 2005, following renovation and expansion of Terminal 1 and creation of a second terminal. These interim measures have assured a seamless transition of the long-term development plans.
Work has begun on a third terminal for the use of Etihad Airways. Upon completion in April 2008, the facility will accommodate up to five million passengers. With at least eight gates capable of handling traffic from the new generation of wide-bodied aircraft, the Terminal will meet the Airline's projected growth through 2010, when the new midfield terminal complex comes on stream.
Upon inauguration in late 2010, the Midfield Terminal will increase overall airport capacity to up to 20 million passengers. That capacity can be further expanded gradually to 40 million to cope with demand growth.
By November 2007, a new 4,100 meter category III runway will come online to accommodate the new generation of wide-bodied aircraft, including the Airbus A380’s.
Other landmarks include a new Air Traffic Control Complex, able to handle up to 70 takeoffs and landings per hour, and a new duty-free zone.
Cargo capacity has already doubled to 300,000 tons. An ultimate growth to well over two million tons is envisioned by the master plan.
These projects represent a key part of a long-term strategy to meet the challenges of Abu Dhabi’s exciting growth and determination to become a leading aviation, tourism, and business centers.
