New operator commences operations from Abu Dhabi International Airport

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 30 March 2009: Abu Dhabi International Airport has welcomed the first Bahrain Air passenger plane at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The airline will initially operate nine flights per week from Abu Dhabi, with plans to increase frequency to double daily in the medium term.

The aircraft touched down at 17.10, March 29, and was saluted by water cannons to the delight of its passengers.

To mark the occasion, ADAC hosted a welcome event attended by dignitaries, including the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Bin Hamad al Khalifa, Bahrain Air Chairman.

Mohammed Al Bulooki, Vice President, Airline Marketing and Aeronautical Revenue, reiterated ADAC's commitment to support airlines wishing to establish operations from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

He said: "As Abu Dhabi's diverse population continues to grow, so does the demand for air travel. At ADAC, our aim is to offer our guests choices and options on different airlines with different products. Having competitive airlines at our airports further boosts our ability to better serve Abu Dhabi and the UAE. We are delighted that Bahrain Air has chosen Abu Dhabi, as the airline perfectly complements our current mix of services and destinations". 

He added that "ADAC is committed to providing support and assistance to airlines establishing routes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and to support the exponential growth of our Emirate."

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Bin Hamad al Khalifa, Bahrain Air Chairman expressed his gratitude to the Abu Dhabi Civil Aviation Authority for all the support and cooperation they provided to Bahrain Air.

He stated at the inaugural ceremony of Bahrain Air at Abu Dhabi International Airport: "I am very pleased to inaugurate Bahrain Air's new service to Abu Dhabi". He reiterated Bahrain Air's "strong commitment to serve the people of Abu Dhabi, which is the airline's 16th destination, and our second destination to the United Arab Emirates."

Sheikh Mohammed Al Khalifa added: "Flying to the capital of UAE is an important new development, and it will prove to be a popular destination of interest for leisure and business travellers, who want to visit the UAE's thriving capital city".

Bahrain Air currently flies to 16 destinations in North Africa, Middle East, and the Indian Subcontinent. The Abu Dhabi routes will be served by Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft with a two class configuration.

-Ends-

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 took over responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain international Airports. In 2008, ADAC added Al Bateen private jet airport, formerly Al Bateen military airbase, and Sir Baniyas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports all serve different segments of the marketplace and help contribute to Abu Dhabi's development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.

Currently under way is the large scale AED 25 (USD6.8) billion 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 ATC tower and Midfield Terminal Complex will complete the redevelopment within the next few years.

For more information, please contact:
Press Office, ADAC - Abu Dhabi Airports Company 
P.O. Box: 94449, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Telephone: +971 2   505 3431
Fax: +971 2   575 8300
Mobile: +971 50 2205188
E-mail: mtaifour@adac.ae
Website: www.adac.ae 
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +4

© Press Release 2009