Abu Dhabi Airports is marking a decade of innovation in aviation this year as the company celebrates its 10th anniversary.
 
Created in 2006 through an Amiri Decree from the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Airports Company was formed to spearhead the development of the emirate's aviation infrastructure, and assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and Al Ain Airport (AAN).  Abu Dhabi Airports later added Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI), an exclusive business aviation airport, along with Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio.
 
The company has further diversified its assets over the last 10 years to include Abu Dhabi Airport Business City – a free zone operating at AUH, AAN and AZI; and the Gulf Center for Aviation Studies – a center of excellence for airport and aviation training.

Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Innovation, as well as the passion and determination of our staff, have been the key pillars to our continued success. The aviation sector in the emirate has changed considerably over the last 10 years and we are proud of the role that Abu Dhabi Airports has played in facilitating the positive changes witnessed in this dynamic sector. Through innovative products such as our recently launched Smart Travel System at Abu Dhabi International Airport, we have consistently provided high quality facilities and services with cutting-edge solutions to passengers at all our airports, and we will continue to do as we receive more and more visitors from around the world.”

Since 2006, Abu Dhabi Airports has thrived. The company has invested over Dh20 billion ($5.4 billion) in capital development projects during the past 10 years across all of its airport sites. The biggest infrastructure project undertaken so far, the Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), will increase Abu Dhabi International Airport’s overall capacity to 45 million passengers per year.

Emiratization figures have increased from 25 per cent in 2010 to over 50 per cent in 2015, with 82 per cent of executive management roles now occupied by UAE nationals. The company remains committed to its objective to be an employer of choice for Emiratis and has developed its National Development Program (NDP) for employing and training UAE graduates.  

“Aviation is playing a significant role in the diversification of the economy, as outlined in Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030.  It is therefore imperative to develop national expertise and workforce within the industry to deliver sustainable growth. Our National Development Program is enabling us to exceed our targets and develop the human capital able to lead this vital industry well into the future,” Al Mansoori added.

Some of the key milestones of the last ten years include:

2006 – Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) was created to manage and operate AUH and AAN.

2007 - People and assets were integrated into ADAC from Department of Civil Aviation (DCA).

2008 – Abu Dhabi Airports took over the operation and management of Al Bateen Executive Airport, Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island airports; AUH became one of the first in the world to be ACI Service Quality Assured Certified.

2009 – Terminal 3 at AUH was opened, becoming the home of Etihad Airways; the northern runway became operational; and the Gulf Center for Aviation Studies (GCAS) was established.

2010 – Terminal 1 at AUH was refurbished; the first 1 million passengers in a month (August) at AUH was recorded; and Expo Check-In was opened at ADNEC.

2011 – New Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower was opened at AUH; Abu Dhabi Government announced AUH, AAN and AZI as free zones; AUH was certified as the first Airport Carbon Accredited in the Asia-Pacific region.

2012 – First Abu Dhabi Air Expo was held; AUH achieved a Gold Status for Fast Travel Worldwide in 2012; Abu Dhabi Airports held the 18th World Route Development Forum; and construction commenced on the Midfield Terminal Complex.

2013 – New arrivals hall opened at AUH; National Development Program was introduced.

2014 - US Pre-Clearance facility at AUH was opened; southern runway was renovated; first A380 flight from AUH took off; first steel arch assembled at MTC; and VIP terminal at AUH opened.

2015 – The process began to de-prop the 18 steel arches of MTC; passenger traffic at AUH reached 23.2 million passengers per year; Abu Dhabi Duty Free sales reached a record high of 1.5billion AED; the US pre-clearance facility won an Abu Dhabi Excellence Award; and the Duty Free operators were announced for the MTC. - TradeArabia News Service