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Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen Executive Airport recently reopened after completing a major upgrade project, which included widening the runway to accommodate larger aircraft
Since the closure of the private jet facility on May 11, all but the helicopters have carried out other work, including extensive new border walls, runway resurfacing, upgraded ground lighting, enhanced signage and landscaping.
“This is a major project involving different elements of the airport,” said Matar Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President, Terminal Operations, Abu Dhabi Airport. “Everything you can see and touch is enhanced.”
The refurbishment marks the beginning of a new era for Abu Dhabi’s first modern international airport.
Al Bateen opened in the late 1960s to cater for the surge in people who poured into Abu Dhabi after the discovery of oil. It replaced the sand airstrip with a distinctive concrete-roofed terminal and even named it “Airport Road”, which was later renamed Sheikh Rashid Bin Said Street.
But even in the 1970s, Abu Dhabi’s needs likely required larger facilities. “Al Bateen is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi and on the island, so expansion will be limited. Leader foresees airport [needed] removed[the] island,” said Mr Al Suwaidi.
The current main airport opened in 1982 to meet increasing demand, and in the years since, Al Bateen served as a military base before becoming a private jet-only airport.
It is also gearing up to host the Abu Dhabi Aviation Expo from 1-3 November. The event is expected to attract more than 18,000 visitors and host more than 300 manufacturers and suppliers.
The project is timely in this regard, as the runway will change from 4C in airport terms to 4D – meaning it can handle twin-aisle jets such as the Boeing 767, whereas previously it could only accommodate single-aisle aircraft such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320.
However, these works alone cannot be certified, and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority will give final approval.
“This is not an on and off decision,” Al Suwaidi said. “There are documents to be provided and testing to be concluded. It will take some time.”
There are also plans to rename the three existing terminals by the end of this year, as part of a plan to further enhance the airport’s branding.
“There is a very high demand [private jet] facilities,” said Al Suwaidi.
With capacity for 50 parked jets, Al Bateen is used by government delegations from around the world, business people and high net worth individuals who value discretion and want to avoid the hassle of flying through major airports.
“The business model is you have more privacy, the moment you get off the plane [at Bateen] It’s 100 meters to get into the car,” he added.[Some people] Not interested in going to duty free shops and going from one terminal to another. Here, everything is done in one place. One stop shop. “
The airport can also accommodate helicopters, including Abu Dhabi Police, search and rescue services and private operators.
The cost of the project was not disclosed while final testing is underway, a statement said. – arab trade news agency
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