• Abu Dhabi International Airport will be the first airport in the region to use such technology, enabling freedom of movement for passengers
  • The proof of concept trial will take place at Abu Dhabi International Airport until the end of the year

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi Airports has partnered with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, to launch a proof of concept trial of autonomous wheelchairs at Abu Dhabi International Airport, in collaboration with the air transport communications and information technology company, SITA, and the personal electric vehicle supplier, WHILL. The autonomous wheelchairs will allow passengers with restricted mobility to navigate easier through Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The trial of the autonomous wheelchairs is taking place at Abu Dhabi International Airport ahead of the launch of the new Midfield Terminal. With the new technology, passengers will be able to access airport facilities easily and effectively, whether arriving to, departing from, or transiting through Abu Dhabi International Airport. The new technology is the first of its kind to be used by an airport within the region.

The wheelchair trials, which will take place throughout the remainder of 2019, will map the airport to ensure that passengers can use the new technology effectively upon its official introduction. The wheelchairs will offer passengers up-to-date boarding times and gate information, an automatic brake function, and sensors to detect any obstacles in the path of the wheelchair.

Speaking about the trials, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, Bryan Thompson, said: “Abu Dhabi Airports is committed to providing an optimal passenger experience to those using our airports, and ensuring that our facilities are easy to access for all is an important part of that commitment.”

“With the beginning of these trials, we hope to be able allow restricted mobility passengers and their families freedom of movement around Abu Dhabi International Airport, and the opportunity to enjoy all the airport has to offer. We have worked hard with our partners, including Etihad Airways, SITA, and WHILL to bring this technology to our airport passengers. With the beginning of these trials, we hope to ensure that this can be used safely and securely by passengers from across the globe,” concluded Thompson.

Abdulwahid Amiri, Acting Senior Vice President of Technology at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We continue to invest heavily in digitalization and new technologies at our airports, as part of our commitment to delivering a smooth and seamless passenger experience through the implementation of industry leading infrastructure and services. Autonomous wheelchairs are amongst the latest innovations we have trialed as a company, which complements our investments in advanced immigration, security, and baggage handling technologies.”

Porters will remain available to provide wheelchair access to passengers arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport who require mobility assistance.

-Ends-

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 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 business aviation airport), as well as Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travelers, 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.

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Web sites: www.adac.ae, www.abudhabiairport.ae   

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© Press Release 2019

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