Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator and manager of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International airports, said it has signed a historic MoU with China's brand new Beijing Daxing International Airport (BDIA), which opened last month. 

 

This comes ahead of the launch of the Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport. 

 

The agreement was signed by CEO Bryan Thompson and BDIA President Yao Yabo in the presence of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports at a recent event in capital Beijing. 

 

Both parties agreed to establish mechanisms for interactive contact and the exchange of knowledge and best practices, alongside sharing ideas on developing their airports and advancing the wider aviation industry for the benefit of passengers and visitors from around the world.

 

On the deal, Thompson said: "It is a source of pride and delight for those of us at Abu Dhabi Airports. This agreement is the result of the close social and economic ties between the UAE and China, and we look forward to working with our Chinese colleagues to enhance our partnership at all levels."

 

“We are the first airport to sign an agreement with BDIA, highlighting Abu Dhabi International Airport’s status as a regional aviation hub and commitment to collaborating with partners from across the globe,” he added.

 

Thompson pointed out that the Chinese tourism and business market was important to the economy of Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE. "Abu Dhabi is a popular destination for Chinese travellers, and tourist numbers are continuing to increase year on year," he added.

 

Yabo said the move is aimed at establishing a framework for the sharing of best practices and the exploration of potential opportunities for future collaboration. 

 

"On September 25, the Chinese President XI Jinping officially announced the opening of BDIA. We believe on the basis of long-term and win-win co-operation with Abu Dhabi Airport, the two sides will jointly make more contributions to China's civil aviation and world’s civil aviation." he added. 

 

The signing ceremony was also attended by Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, and Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Senior Vice President, Government, International and Communications of Etihad Aviation Group.-TradeArabia News Service