12th March 2014, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi Airports today signed an agreement with ADNOC Distribution to support Abu Dhabi International Airport's (AUH) growth beyond the opening of the Midfield Terminal and well into the future.  The fuel services agreement will secure the provision of fuel related services at 3 of its airports - Abu Dhabi International, Al Ain International and Al Bateen Executive - for the next 20 years.

In line with the development of the Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), both Abu Dhabi Airports and ADNOC Distribution through this agreement will work in close collaboration to develop the support infrastructure necessary to enhance both existing and new fuel supply capacity, supporting the growth of the aviation sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Both Abu Dhabi Airports and ADNOC Distribution will invest in the development of a new fuel hydrant system - which is the distribution pipeline network connecting the fuel farm to the fuel distribution points- supporting the MTC as well as a new state of the art Fuel Farm. These developments will service both the new MTC as well as existing terminals delivering an increase in fuel storage capacity of 130 million liters, and an improvement in the management of fuel reserves through the latest technological advances, ultimately reducing operating cost. Stretching over 20 km, the new hydrant system will serve up to 130 aircraft stands on the ground.

The investment by both Abu Dhabi Airports and ADNOC Distribution includes:

  • Delivery of a new hydrant system from both the existing and new fuel farm to 130 aircraft parking stands.

  • Delivery of a new fuel farm increasing Abu Dhabi Airports capacity in terms of storage from 47 million liters to 130 million liters.

  • Upgrade of the fuel pipeline from the Abu Dhabi and Ruwais refineries to the Airport

  • Upgrade of the existing fuel farm currently located at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Abu Dhabi International Airport will receive fuel via three pipelines from both the Abu Dhabi refinery and the Ruwais refinery ensuring that backup supplies will be available in the event of planned and unplanned maintenance, providing undisrupted services to the Airport.

In addition to the 70,000 sqm land occupied by the existing fuel farm, Abu Dhabi Airports will make available a further 80,000 sqm of land to support the development of the new fuel farm in the East Midfield.

H.E Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said:

"Our airports are undergoing many significant operational upgrades beyond terminal development which, whilst not being 100% visible to the passenger, are all designed to ensure that the travel experience through Abu Dhabi is one of the best in the world. As we expand our capacity, we are pleased that a key partner such as ADNOC Distribution is onboard in our mission to achieve this objective."

H.E. Abdulla Al Dhaheri, CEO of ADNOC Distribution, said:

"The aviation sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi continues to grow at a phenomenal rate and ADNOC Distribution is proud to work with its partners to ensure that this growth is properly supported."

Abu Dhabi Airports' new Midfield Terminal Complex, which opens in July 2017, will increase the airport's total capacity to more than 40 million passengers per annum.

-Ends-

Facts on the fuel system:

The new East Midfield Fuel Farm incorporates the latest technology including:

  • "Program Logic Controls enhancing the operations of the facility and to some extent automating the delivery of fuel;

  • The latest technology in fire detection and suppression fighting systems;

  • Backup power supply

All of which ensure the safe and efficient delivery of fuel to aircraft.

About Abu Dhabi Airports
Abu Dhabi Airports is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was incorporated by Amiri Decree number 5, issued on 4 March 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure. In September 2006, Abu Dhabi Airports Company assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, Abu Dhabi Airports added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive private aviation airport), and Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travellers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi's development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.

Currently underway is the multi-billion dollar redevelopment and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 40 million passengers per year.

For more information, please contact:
Layla Haroon
Mob: +971 55 636 0425
E-Mail: lharoon@bell-pottinger.com

Elham Bourani
P.O. Box: 94449, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Tel: +971 2   25053304
Mob: +971 50 818 0467
E-mail: ebourani@adac.ae

Radwa Shehab
 
P.O. Box: 94449, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Tel: +971 2   505 3261
Mob: +971 50 262 22349
E-mail:  rshehab@adac.ae

© Press Release 2014