Abu Dhabi, Dec. 5, 2007 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) today announced that it has selected the world's leading in-flight caterer, LSG Sky Chefs, to provide management of flight catering facilities at Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports for a three-year term.

With a host of awards to show for it, LSG Sky Chefs has one of the longest and most reputable histories in the airline catering business and in 2006 produced over 387 million meals across 47 countries for 270 airlines around the globe, including Qantas, Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa.

LSG Sky Chefs currently holds 30 percent of the world market in airline catering and saw US$3.45 billion in turnover for 2006.

"We are absolutely delighted to announce that the successful bidder is LSG Sky Chefs - a company whose reputation for quality, innovation and first-class food is certain to ensure that airline customers from and through Abu Dhabi will enjoy mouth-watering menus of truly world-class in-flight cuisine," Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Chairman of ADAC, said.

"This appointment confirms ADAC's commitment to partnering with best-in-class international partners so as to significantly enhance our customers experience and establish ADIA as a new benchmark in international airport catering - worldwide," added Al Mazrouei.

Walter Gehl, LSG Chief Executive Officer said his outfit is "dedicated to making Abu Dhabi Airport Catering a first class airline catering facility in the Middle East", adding: "We are very excited about having a long lasting partnership with ADAC, Abu Dhabi and the region."Special note and thanks was given by ADAC's Chairman to Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) and the latterly formed joint-venture ADNH-Compass for their stewardship of the in-flight catering operations since Abu Dhabi Airport opened back in 1982.

Responsible for doubling the meal capacity from 15,000 to over 28,000 per day in the last few years, ADNH Compass have served the company well through its initial opening and growth period and have laid the foundations for the new caterers to build on even further as the airport enters its latest development and expansion stage.

A first of many new initiatives that ADAC is planning to introduce in the future, the deal precedes the developments on the new Terminal 3 (T3) - due to open mid-2008 - which will increase the airport's passenger capacity by an additional 5 million people.

T3 will add an additional 2,500 sqm of world class Duty Free retail space and a wide range of internationally known F&B outlets.

The Free Trade Zone development at the vicinity of the airport will see the first tenants move in, in 2008. The Free Zone will include a business park, warehousing and initially two international hotels with retail malls.

These developments are all part of the Master Plan development for ADIA that will see the new Midfield Complex open in 2010 which will boost the airport's overall capacity to 20 million passengers per annum.

The goal, says ADAC, is to develop Abu Dhabi International Airport and for it be recognized as a leading international airport, gateway to the capital of the UAE, and home to the national carrier - Etihad - which continues to set new standards of excellence for our customers.

"In line with the Emirate of Abu Dhabi's Government vision and under ADAC's management, this appointment demonstrates that we are all dedicated to investing in innovation and quality in order to enhance and support Abu Dhabi as a preferred destination and sound business partner," concluded Al Mazrouei.