Abu Dhabi's only dedicated business aviation airport Al Bateen Executive recorded an 11% hike in commercial aviation movements in 2011 and a 50% surge in business aviation traffic, bringing the total number of take-off and landings for the period to 8,775.
"These strong increases, achieved in a challenging economic climate, demonstrate the success of the airport in attracting corporate and VIP clients into the only dedicated business aviation airport in the GCC region," said Al Bateen's general manager Steve Jones.
"Not only did Al Bateen continue to grow its overall traffic strongly during 2011, but it also managed to attract over 124 new international business aviation customers," he added.
Jones attributes part of the airport's success to the launch of its DhabiJet fixed-base operator brand and the arrival in the past 12 months of a number of new companies, including charter and management company Rotana Jet and business aviation services provider Jet Aviation.
In its quest to become "one of the best dedicated business airports in the world", Al Bateen will beef up its services this year with the completion of several refurbished hangars, the extension of its maintenance repair and overhaul facilities, and the development of "high-end retail provision" within its DhabiJet and VIP lounges.
From 6-8 March, Al Bateen will also host the inaugural Abu Dhabi Air Expo. The event will host general aviation exhibitors from across the globe and is set to become the Middle East's leading general aviation exhibition featuring all the latest products and innovations, said Al Bateen.
Source: Flight International
