Abu Dh Airport-in-W AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE ABU DHABI 74 airports of the world
abi aiting AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE ABU DHABI With the opening of Abu Dhabi International’s new midfield terminal two years away, Luigi Vallero pays a visit to see what’s being done to manage demand until then. The Abu Dhabi <strong>Airports</strong> Company (ADAC) has continued to invest in Abu Dhabi International Airport’s (AUH’s) existing infrastructure to meet rapidly increasing demand, even though its futuristic 30mppa Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC) is due to be finished in 2017. United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based ADAC reported an impressive 23.9% growth in passenger numbers during September 2014 compared to the same month the previous year, registering 1,696,651. Aircraft movements rose by 14.9% yearon-year to 13,070. Doha, London, Bangkok, Manila and Mumbai were the busiest routes, accounting for 15% of traffic. Most of this has been driven by the rapidly expanding Etihad Airways (see the <strong>March</strong> issue of Airliner World) which has recently introduced the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787 to its fleet. The carrier has established an impressive list of partner airlines, which is strengthening its vast route network on top of new destinations it plans to serve. Meeting demand The first buttress for the main structural steel arches of the MTC were placed in October 2013 and work is progressing rapidly in the desert (see the February issue of Airliner World). The vast project, currently the largest construction job in the Middle East, is a clear indication of ADAC’s intent to rival its neighbour Dubai, but more capacity will be required at the existing airport until the MTC opens. To achieve this ADAC established the Capacity Enhancement Programme to enable AUH to handle more passengers through continuous enhancements to the existing facilities, such as a new arrivals hall, which opened at the beginning of 2013. Further construction includes the remodelling of Terminal 1, which is being modified and expanded to help to accommodate an anticipated 20mppa by 2017. To improve the shopping experience for passengers and the communities living close to the airport, the range of customer services in the Skypark Plaza beside Terminal 3 has been supplemented by new tenants. Among the new amenities are more services and retail options, including a spa, souvenir shop, optical and hair dressing services, fashion and accessories outlets and even a supermarket. Retail space has also been reserved for the Khalifa Fund for Development to provide support and retail space for Emirati entrepreneurs. Commenting on the Skypark Plaza, Mohammed Al Bulooki, ADAC’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Abu Dhabi <strong>Airports</strong> is delighted to welcome Starter Supermarket to Skypark Plaza. The team believes there’s a growing demand for quality convenience shopping in this location to serve the local community and so, in line with the company’s strategy to expand Abu Dhabi International Airport’s retail offering and enhance its customers’ experience, we’re progressing with a variety of new ideas, concepts and improvements.” The supermarket is open between 06:00 and midnight, seven days a week, and is stocked with a full range of items, fresh produce, frozen foods and has its own bakery. It is accessible to the public from the Terminal 3 car park. The Skypark Plaza beside Terminal 3 has welcomed new tenants and now offers a wide range of services as well as retail and refreshment options. (All photos author unless stated) Etihad Airways is poised for rapid expansion at AUH once the new MTC opens in July 2017. Airport operator ADAC has upgraded existing facilities to cope until then. (AirTeamImages. com/BaoLuo) Construction work is well under way on the sevenstorey main terminal building, which will be larger than London/Heathrow’s T5 when finished. With passenger numbers rising at more than 20% a year, the current infrastructure has struggled to cope. www.airportsworld.com 75
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