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ADAC Chairman and Managing Director Khalifa Mohammed Al Mazrouei: “We are considering proposals from a number of world class operators.” |
UAE. The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) could announce its choice of a strategic partner to operate Abu Dhabi International Airport within the next month, ADAC Chairman and Managing Director Khalifa Mohammed Al Mazrouei has said.
“We are considering proposals from a number of world class operators, among them Singapore’s Changi Airport, Munich Airport, Vienna Airport and BAA,” said Al Mazrouei.
Addressing a conference in Abu Dhabi, Al Mazrouei said the aviation industry in the country was poised for phenomenal growth. He said the redevelopment of Abu Dhabi International would support economic development.
“The creation of Abu Dhabi Airports Company serves as one of the objectives behind the Abu Dhabi government’s restructuring effort. The airport will serve as the gateway to the capital, offering an attractive and welcoming experience for residents, business travellers and visitors alike. It will be a world-class, architecturally innovative and operationally efficient home base for Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, as it grows and establishes itself as a premier airline. The airport will showcase the UAE’s cultural, environmental and economic achievements”, Al Mazrouei told delegates.
ADAC was created in March this year when the government decided to focus more on sector planning and regulation while encouraging private sector participation in the operation of its airports and ports. The company is mandated to operate and maintain all airports facilities and services including retail and catering, as well as passenger check-in, baggage loading, airfield services and other facilities.
Abu Dhabi Catering & Duty Free operates under ADAC and will work with its strategic partner to continue the development of commercial activities at the airport.
Following the opening of Terminal Two last year planning for a third terminal at the airport is well under way to ensure the airport copes with the anticipated growth in volume between now and 2010, when passenger numbers are expected to hit 10-11 million (from around 6 million today). In 2010, as part of the next phase of development, a new airport is scheduled to open.
A full profile of Abu Dhabi Catering & Duty Free features in the MEDFA Guide, published by The Moodie Report for the Middle East Duty Free Association Conference. The conference takes place on 23/24 November.
MORE STORIES ON ABU DHABI DUTY FREE AND ADAC
Niveen Ibrahim named General Manager of Abu Dhabi Duty Free; Paul Haines to head catering – 17/06/06
Dan Cappell to leave Abu Dhabi Duty Free – 30/04/06
Creation of Abu Dhabi Airports Company sees privatization gather momentum in the Gulf – 06/04/06
