Al Ain evolving as LCC hub

Al Ain International Airport is emerging as a strategic low-cost carrier (LLC) hub for the Middle East, according to the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac).

The airport potentially helps save more than $1 million (Dh3.67m) in fuel consumption compared to other UAE airports, according to Rudy Vercelli, Adac's Chief Executive Officer.

"Aircraft arriving into Al Ain Airport experience no holding patterns and taxi times of less than three minutes, thus potentially saving more than $1m in fuel consumption compared to other UAE airports," he said.

He was speaking yesterday at the first Low Cost Airlines World Mena Conference held in Al Ain.

"Being a non-congested airport and having an efficient ground handling agent, Al Ain Airport is able to offer carriers very fast aircraft turnaround time," he pointed out.

Currently, Al Ain Airport features seven walk-up aircraft parking positions adjacent to boarding gates. Short passenger walk-up distances, as well as streamlined terminal designs ensure good passenger flow and allow quick turnaround times, Adac said.

It added that Al Ain International also combines key operations requirements, such as a convenient location equidistant from the UAE's main city hubs of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

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