Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has received the final approval it needed from the country's Executive Council to go ahead with the construction of the new Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC) at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The MTC is destined to become the primary gateway for airlines operating to Abu Dhabi and the future home of UAE national carrier Etihad Airways.
The terminal, which is expected to go live in the first half of 2017, is the key component of the MTC development programme at the airport and is expected to contribute to the long-term success of the aviation sector in the emirate. Chairman of ADAC, H.E. Khalifa Al Mazrouei said: "The approval of the Executive Council on the capacity expansion programme for Abu Dhabi International Airport confirms Abu Dhabi’s commitment to deliver a World Class airport for the emirate that will be on a par with the best international airports in the world.
“This development represents one of the largest investments by the Government to deliver the needed infrastructure, in line with Abu Dhabi Plan 2030, that will cater to the growth of the aviation sector in the region and confirms Abu Dhabi's strong position in the global air transportation network. ADAC looks forward to appointing the Midfield Terminal Building contractors and creating this key infrastructure asset for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”
Abu Dhabi International Airport continues to be one of the fastest growing airports in the world, with record growth rates of 19.7% over the last five years, spurred by the rapid development of its hub airline, Etihad Airways and the increasing attraction of Abu Dhabi as a destination for business and leisure.
The airport currently handles in excess of 12 million passengers per year and growth over the next 20 years is forecast to be robust, requiring additional facilities to accommodate the increased traffic demand.
The 700,000-square-metre terminal building is one of the most crucial projects to be undertaken in the UAE and will initially handle 27-30 million passengers per year. Tenders for the construction of the terminal were received in November 2011 and the anticipated contract award represents the next key milestone for the Emirate in its drive to develop a world-class air transportation hub.
Following the completion of extensive site preparation, piling and foundation works in 2010 and 2011, construction of the Midfield Terminal Building (MTB) is planned to commence during the 2nd quarter of 2012.
ADAC is currently evaluating tenders for the appointment of a general contractor for MTB and an award will be announced in due course. Further works are currently being prepared or are in process for the airfield construction, deep utilities and services and other crucial support facilities.
The construction of the new terminal is the next major stage in the overall development of Abu Dhabi International Airport. Since the expansion program was initiated in 2006, a new 60m wide, 4,100m long runway was completed in 2008, facilitating the full operation of next generation Code F A-380 aircraft. Terminal 3, currently home to Etihad Airways, was opened in 2008 with a floor area of 70,000 sq m and 33 check–in counters. In 2011, a new 110m high air traffic control complex was commissioned, the highest in the region, and it includes advanced air traffic control systems together with on-site training facilities. In parallel with these new development projects, the expansion programme has also delivered an award-winning refurbishment of Terminal 1 and the construction of new aircraft parking stands to meet the continuing increase in passenger demand.
Further capacity increases in the existing terminals are also planned to handle increasing volumes of transfer passengers prior to the opening of the new terminal. The capacity enhancement program would include the development of a passenger arrival hall, bus gates, security screening facilities and additional A380 capable gates and stands. In addition, extensive work would be carried out, in parallel with the MTB, to develop the East Midfield; a new 200 ha support area that would include facilities for cargo handling, in-flight catering, ground handling and other ancillary facilities that support the growth of the airport. As an airport with significant land reserves and free trade zone status, ADAC is also working with private investors to develop complementary commercial activities on the airport. Current projects include a new hotel linked to Terminal 3, a retail link, and the T3 business park.
At its inception, in 2006, ADAC assumed the management roles of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports and then took over management roles for three more airports and added six new subsidiaries to provide aviation related services that would support the delivery of ADAC’s vision.
Al Bateen Executive Airport received a new identity and role in 2009, when ADAC succeeded in turning it from a military airport to the region’s dedicated business aviation airport, and recording a 36% increase in commercial aircraft movement in 2010 over 2009, just after the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) certified it as a civil airport. ADAC has also added Sir Bani Yas Island and Delma Island Airports to its group of assets to ensure effective and quality operation that would deliver towards the vision for the Emirate’s aviation services.
In addition to expanding and developing Abu Dhabi’s five airports, ADAC has established key subsidiaries with world-class facilities to support its business operations and efforts to raise the profile of the aviation industry in the country. Each of these companies has delivered remarkable results in the recent years, to lead the market within each of its specialized activity and services provided. ADAC’s award winning group of assets include Abu Dhabi Airport Services (ADAS), Abu Dhabi In-Flight catering (ADIFC), Abu Dhabi Duty Free (ADDF), Abu Dhabi Cargo Company (ADCC), Abu Dhabi Hospitality Services (ADHS), Skycity to develop ADAC’s free zones, and the Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS).
Article Source : Arabian Aerospace
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