Abu Dhabi: The 1st dedicated private jet airport in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions, the Al Bateen Executive Airport is now open for service again after going through an extensive refurbishment project which has enabled the airport to support greater operational demand while meeting the highest levels of safety, compliance, and accreditation.
Abu Dhabi Airports (AD Ports) and General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) worked closely with each other during the project to guarantee that the activity was in line with the necessary regulatory frameworks to ensure the highest level of compliance, and all the necessary approvals were received without delay.
The refurbishment project at Al Bateen Executive Airport embodies the commitment of our aviation partners in the UAE to invest in the safety, modernization and sustainability of the region’s only dedicated executive airport. The engagement with Abu Dhabi Airports – from project inception until completion – has ensured the highest level of compliance with the national standards, regulations, guidance material and international best practices outlined by the GCAA.
Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the General Civil Aviation Authority, observed about the completed project.
THE REFURBISHMENT PROJECT
Completed within a short span of just 90 days, the project included activities such as;
- The Resurfacing and Widening the existing 3.2 KM runway to accommodate wide-body aircrafts
- A new large Boundary Wall
- An upgrade to the Ground Lighting
- Improved Signage and Landscape
Upgradation and Refurbishing of the Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) at Al Bateen Executive Airport was also a significant part of the project, enabling the Airport to acquiring a certificate to operate Code 4D Aircrafts.
In line with our strategic objectives, Abu Dhabi Airports continues to invest in developing and maintaining our world-class infrastructure. The upgrades to Al Bateen Executive Airport will result in several tangible benefits such as increased airport capacity to accommodate larger aircrafts, extending the lifetime of the runway, and decreasing maintenance time and cost.
Mr. Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports remarked.
MASSIVE UNDERTAKING
The Project resulted in the use of 105,000 tons of Asphalt, covering areas of the runway, shoulder areas of the runway and taxiways, amounting to approximately 240,000 Sq. M. Subsequently, 23 kilometers of Cable, 15.5 kilometers of Duct and Installation of 400 new manholes were part of the project.
“Over 800 dedicated personnel were involved in the successful completion of this project, while ensuring minimal disruption to residents, demonstrating our collaboration and determination to drive development. As the only dedicated executive airport in the Middle East, we are committed to providing our customers with a safe and secure facility that caters to their requirements,” Mr. Frank McCrorie, Chief Operations Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports shared.