Dubai World Central (DWC), the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis, has announced plans to develop a major facility which will cater exclusively to business aviation.

The 6,000-sq-m Executive Terminal will be located at DWC’s Aviation District in Dubai, UAE, and is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Speaking at the ongoing Middle East Business Aviation Association (Mebaa) exhibition being held at Dubai World Central, Rashed Bu Qara’a, the chief operating officer of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: "DWC is partnering with industry leaders to build a complete ecosystem for a world-class aerotropolis, and the Executive Terminal is a step in the right direction."

"Providing integrated access to both the land side and air side, Aviation District enables the seamless functioning of fixed- based operations and is, therefore, ideally placed to host a project of this magnitude," he noted.

The other key features of the terminal include dedicated facilities for customs, immigration and police, separate drop-off and executive lounge areas to ensure full privacy, as well as walkable, direct access to the apron.

Khaled Al Mulla, the chairman of Al Mulla Investment Group, said: "In keeping with our role as leaders in the FBO (fixed-base operators) and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) sector, we took a strategic decision to transfer our operations to the Aviation District due to the heavy air traffic at Dubai International Airport."

DWC, he stated, had the ideal infrastructure, competitive pricing and the flexibility for the company to do business, especially with regards to technical stops, where flights from Europe land for technical checkups or for refueling purposes.

Founder & CEO Josh Stewart of XJet, a US-headquartered exclusive private aviation service provider, said: "XJet has been committed to bringing its award-winning business model to the Middle East for a number of years. DWC provides us with the perfect location to launch our exclusive club and transient operations."

"We are incredibly excited to have been awarded a licence to operate at the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis. The truly world-class set-up at DWC has encouraged us to relocate our global headquarters to our new facility which will be opening in 2015," he added.

Adel Mardini, the CEO and president of Jetex, said the new executive terminal will complement the rapid growth of business aviation in the Middle East in general and in Dubai in particular.

"Considering the geographical advantage that Dubai enjoys, I am confident that DWC will exceed all expectations for success and Jetex will play a significant role in that success through providing first-class customer service," he observed.
 
"With the diversified offerings of key players at this aerotropolis, DWC will give a new definition to the concept of general aviation and to flying in luxury."

Services at the Executive Terminal will be supported by a $80-million VIP Completion Centre scheduled for completion by Falcon Aviation by the end of 2015.-TradeArabia News Service