50 airlines will operate from the Abu Dhabi international airport

In 2012, six new airlines will be operating from Abu Dhabi: ADAC CEO

Abu Dhabi: As many as 50 airlines will operate from the Abu Dhabi international airport by the end of the year, James E. Bennett, chief executive officer for Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) said on Sunday.

“In 2012, six new airlines will be operating from Abu Dhabi,” said Bennett, speaking at Routes Abu Dhabi 2012 press conference in reply to a question by Gulf News.

He said the future of the commercial aviation industry is closely tied to the development of new routes, which directly benefit the economies of a city or a region.

“The annual economic impact in tourism alone of an additional daily long-haul service into Abu Dhabi is estimated at approximately Dh100 million. ADAC, therefore, understands how the direct and indirect economic benefits of new routes contribute towards the growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism, trade and commerce. At the same time new routes also strengthen Abu Dhabi International Airport’s position as a global aviation hub,” Bennett added.

He said ADAC sees the World Route Development Forum as a unique opportunity to support the local economy and the aviation industry as a whole, and “looks forward to seeing other airports and airlines develop new partnerships with us here in Abu Dhabi.”

He said the Routes conference will provide a platform to map out plans for growth in the commercial aviation industry, but more importantly, “will allow Abu Dhabi to showcase its world-class airports and aviation services, and to work even closer with airlines in delivering new routes and destinations to Abu Dhabi airports.”

Bennett said the key project ADAC is keen on showcasing to the global commercial aviation industry during the Forum is the construction of our iconic Midfield terminal complex that, when operational in 2017, will transform the travel experience of all passengers travelling to, from or through Abu Dhabi International Airport.

ADAC, in June this year, awarded a Dh10.8 billion contract to a consortium of TAV, Arabtec and CCC for building the midfield terminal. Once ready, it will have the capacity to handle 30 million passengers a year, up from the current 12 million.

“The aviation industry is one of the 12 sectors that underpin the Emirate’s engines of economic growth and diversification in Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030. The government’s recognition that this sector is essential for connecting the Emirate to the world, has been translated into significant investment in the commercial aviation sector, enabling Abu Dhabi International Airport to become one of the world’s fastest growing international airport hubs,” Bennett concluded.