Smooth landings
By Liz Moscrop
As business aviation takes off in the Middle East, it is increasingly important to cater for private aircraft on the ground. There is a plethora of dedicated airports springing up around region. Liz Moscrop looks at some of the main players.
Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi is a small field with huge ambitions. Since the former military airbase turned into an executive aviation field in 2008, the airport has witnessed unprecedented growth in traffic from based operators and visiting aircraft alike. The airport handled almost 8,000 movements in 2010, an increase of over 30 percent compared with 2009. General Manager Stephen Jones said: “Traffic is increasing rapidly – January’s figures are up roughly the same amount as the yearly figures. We also need to ensure that we offer the highest quality facilities and services otherwise we don't offer value to our customers."
He added that the airport intends to be the premier business aviation terminal in the Middle East if not the world in five years. Parent company Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has invested US$50 million in turning the 50-year-old airport into a luxury business aviation gateway with an impressive VVIP passenger terminal and an Instrument Landing System. Last December ADAC also signed a letter of intent with Switzerland-based Gategroup to provide high quality 24/7 catering on site.
Jones said that the majority of private aircraft landing at Al Bateen are the converted airliner and large business jet types. He believes that within a year or two the airport will be a serious competitor to Dubai International, which is increasingly busy. He said: “We are an hour and 20 minutes by road from Dubai. We are also a great stop between Asia and Europe or the US and Asia and can take aircraft up to a Boeing 767 size.”
Regional developments
Neighbouring Emirate Dubai also offers impressive business aviation facilities. Executive Flight Terminal at Dubai Airport opened in 2008 and is run by Executive Flight Services (EFS). Located close to Terminal 2, it includes a 5,500 sq metre two storey main building, a 3,700 sq metre hangar, a 3,700 sq metre ramp area, and a special VIP car park for long term parking. The terminal also has its own dedicated immigration and customs areas, a Duty Free outlet, a fully equipped business/conference centre, eight luxury private lounges and a limousine service between the aircraft and the terminal building.
Meanwhile in Bahrain MENA Aerospace is investing in development of a dedicated GA complex at Bahrain International Airport at Muharraq, which will provide maintenance and support services to private and corporate aircraft. Development has already begun, and the facility is located at the North West end of the airport. Once complete, the first phase’s 26,362 square metre footprint will include a hangar, private taxiway and apron in addition to office and workshop areas, making it one of the largest facilities in the region. The complex will be fully European Aviation Safety Agency compliant. The soft launch opening will take place towards the end of this year. MENA’s chief operating officer Ralph Eisenschmid said: “We will have great facilities here and also welcome third parties wishing to offer maintenance.” He added that should the new hangar fill rapidly the company might look at building more hangars in subsequent phases of development.
Fellow Bahraini operator Bexair operates a VIP passenger terminal at the airport and Eisenschmid reckoned that today there are not enough movements to justify building another.
Saudi Arabia is also investing heavily in private aviation. King Khalid International Airport is set to add a new business aircraft facility to its offering. The government of Saudi Arabia is investing $2.6bn in its development.
There is no doubt that the major business aviation MRO providers will be hungrily eyeing these key infrastructure developments, so it will be well worth watching their movements, too, over the coming months.