UAE/USA. Zayed International Airport Managing Director & CEO Elena Sorlini, the driving force behind last year’s opening of Abu Dhabi’s magnificent new gateway, is the latest big-name addition to a power-packed speaker line-up at the forthcoming Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards.
FAB 2024 will take place in Ontario, southern California on 25-26 June. The event, owned and organised by The Moodie Davitt Report, is this year hosted by Ontario International Airport.
As reported, the former Abu Dhabi International Airport was officially renamed Zayed International Airport on 9 February to honour Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates.
The spectacular gateway offers an extensive and diverse food & beverage portfolio provided by multiple operators, including SSP, Avolta, Lagardère Travel Retail and Maison Samira Maatouk. This is supported by outstanding passenger lounges.
Business is booming in 2024. Parent company Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator of the Emirate’s five airports, today released “exceptional” passenger traffic results for the first quarter. More than 6.9 million passengers were facilitated through the Abu Dhabi Airports’ network from January to March 2024, marking a robust surge of +35.6% compared to the same period in 2023.
During this period, Zayed International Airport alone welcomed over 6.8 million passengers, who experienced a range of outstanding facilities and services at the newly launched terminal.
Elena Sorlini is also a member of the board at Abu Dhabi Airports, Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Aviation and ADQ Aviation and Aerospace Services.
The highly regarded executive has held executive positions globally in the wider aviation ecosystem, including Vice President of Strategic Planning at Oman Aviation Group and Director of Strategy at Copenhagen Airports.
Prior to that, she was Vice President at Macquarie Airports, one of the largest private airport owners and operators, where she was responsible for the asset management activities of Rome Airports and Copenhagen Airports.
The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie said: “We are thrilled to have Elena Sorlini join our superb line-up of speakers in Ontario this June. She runs what ranks as a wonder of the airport world, notable not just for its magnificent architecture but also the quality of hospitality experience it offers, including world-class food & beverage and lounges. Delegates are in both for an education and a FAB-ulous treat.”
FAB is the only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event. It encompasses all aspects of airport food & beverage, lounges, and other related hospitality services.
The FAB Awards and FAB Superstars Awards on 26 June will serve as the glittering culmination of the two-day event. The Gala Dinner and awards ceremony will be held at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center. ✈
{Click on the YouTube icon for a unique view of Zayed International Airport in ‘Football should always be Fun’, a film collaboration between national carrier Etihad Airways and Manchester City Football Club, the airline having been an official partner of the multiple trophy-winning English team since 2009. The film sees layovers turn into playovers as elite players from the Treble-winning Manchester City team produce some breathtaking football inside the airport.}
