Abu Dhabi airport opens second runway

The second runway at Abu Dhabi International Airport, part of a five-year $6.8 billion (Dh25bn) expansion plan, was yesterday inaugurated with an Etihad test flight.

The runway and the new Terminal 3 were opened by Chairman Khalifa Al Mazrouei, who said the event marked the start of a historic chapter that promised to help the airport achieve greater growth.

A further part of the expansion plan, a 110m tall control tower, is nearing completion.

"Today I announce the opening of the new runway and the soft opening of Terminal 3, which will become fully operational in the coming weeks," he said.

"We will soon also open a new and unique 4,000 sq m duty free and food and beverage village within the terminal. This phased approach is designed to safeguard customer services.

"Abu Dhabi International is designed for full-service airlines and cargo while Al Ain will be for low-cost carriers and logistics, such as cargo and freight, and Al Bateen airbase will be for corporate jets.

"We are embarking on a three-year development plan to create a luxury executive jet facility in the heart of the capital at Al Bateen."

An Etihad A320 carrying VIPs and journalists was the first plane to take off from the new Dh1bn runway, which is located two kilometres to the north of the existing one.

Work began in May 2006 and the project included the development of the airstrip, two major taxiways, two cross-field taxiways and two fire stations.

CEO Rudy Vercelli said the number of passengers using the airport in the last 12 months had broken the previous record of 8.5m.

"That in itself is a significant symbol of how fast this airport is growing. We already handle 91,000 aircraft movement per year on the first runway. With this master plan that includes the new runway and the terminal we are building capacity for the future. Having a two runway-system gives us incredible capacity, capability and flexibility to handle traffic."



ADAC SEEKS TO GO GLOBAL

The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) is planning to enter the international market by acquiring assets abroad.

Chairman Khalifa Al Mazrouei, speaking after yesterday's runway and terminal openings in the capital, said announcements about acquisitions would be made in due course.

"In terms of international market investment, we are looking at and screening airport assets. When the right time arrives we will announce what we are specifically interested in. Our business strategy for the international market is very strong."

CEO Rudy Vercelli said the company had a mandate to expand abroad and would look at assets that fitted its business plan.

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