5th May, 2010, Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has welcomed the first Oman Air flight to touch down at Al Ain International Airport with the airline now operating a daily service between Abu Dhabi's second city and the Omani capital, Muscat.

Oman Air already operates a Muscat - Abu Dhabi service with 21 flights per week to Abu Dhabi International Airport, so this new route to Al Ain will offer even greater choice and flexibility for residents in the emirate and wider UAE.

The city of Al Ain, in line with the Abu Dhabi government's plans to develop the emirate's overall tourism drive is also a developing business centre and is positioned for a big leap in the predicted growth of the aerospace sector in the region in the coming years. An example of which was the announcement by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), the operator of Al Ain International, on the Al Ain Aerospace Cluster project - at the Paris Air Show last year.

Faris Al Mazrouei, General Manager, Al Ain International Airport (ADAC)said: "We are delighted to extend our relationship with Oman Air and welcome their inaugural flight to Al Ain International Airport. ADAC is committed to serving the local communities in which we operate, and the demand for a Muscat - Al Ain service was clear. With developments such as the Al Ain Aerospace Cluster, ADAC expects demand for services to and from Al Ain to grow even more over the coming years, as we continue to promote the airport and attract new operators." 

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About Al AIn International Airport (AAN)
Al Ain International Airport is Abu Dhabi's second airport. It is located 18 kilometers northwest of Al Ain and began operation on 31 March 1994. Originally built to serve 1,000 passengers per peak hour, the airport has a 4,000-metre runway and a parallel 4,000 meter taxiway which can double as a runway when necessary. The airport currently offers some of the fastest aircraft turn-around times in the region with taxi-times of less than three minutes, and no holding patterns on approach.

Subsequently, the airport is undergoing major developments that include the expansion of the main terminal building to occupy more passengers and handle more flights, the opening of a new cargo terminal and the installation of a catering building.

Although the airport in Al Ain is smaller than Abu Dhabi International Airport, it will rank amongst the most modern airports in the region when the improvement program is completed. Equidistant between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the location of Al Ain International is ideal for the growth in areas related to the Low Cost Carrier business.

About Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC)
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) 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, ADAC assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, ADAC 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 under way is the multi-billion dollar re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 20 million passengers per year. As part of this redevelopment, a second runway and a third terminal have been completed. A new Air Traffic Control Tower is due to be operational in 2010 with the Midfield Terminal Complex development expected to open in 2015.

For more information, please contact ADAC Press Office:
Abu Dhabi International Airport
P.O. Box: 94449, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Tel: +971 2   635 4452
Fax: +971 2   635 4453
Mob: +971 55 980 6697
E-mail:  adac@fourcommunications.com
Website: www.adac.ae, www.adacmediacentre.com  
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +4

© Press Release 2010