WAM Abu Dhabi, Feb 13th, 2013 (WAM) -- Al Bateen Executive Airport, operated and managed by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), today announced the results of the full year traffic review for 2012 showing an increase of 11% in aircraft movements recorded in 2011.

Additionally, visiting private aircraft reached a growth of 40% in 2012 compared with 2011. These robust increases in a challenging economic environment demonstrate the success of the airport in attracting corporate and VIP clients to the only dedicated business aviation airport in the GCC region.

Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operating Officer at ADAC, commented: "The consistent growth in aircraft movement in general, and the substantial increase of visiting aircraft in particular, reflects the airport's success in attracting business and international customers to the airport. In addition, the overall commercial traffic growth registered at the airport in 2012 is a testament of the airport's position as key business aviation hub for the region, as more charter companies and aircraft owners choose DhabiJet, Al Bateen's FBO service, as their preferred base in the region." The various prestigious events being held in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi such as The International Defense Exhibition and Conference IDEX, The World Energy Summit, and Cityscape are also key drivers to the traffic growth at the airport. For example, the 2012 Formula One season was a great success for Al Bateen Executive airport, which welcomed aircraft from all over the world carrying VIPs, Formula One drivers and other prominent figures from the international community. The airport marked race day as one of the busiest days for the Al Bateen apron with 40 aircraft on the ground and over 150 aircraft movements during the period of the event, registering a 78% increase compared with the same race period in 2011.

This year, Abu Dhabi Air Expo - the second consecutive International Exhibition of general aviation will be held at the airport on 5th, 6th and 7th March. Playing host to general aviation exhibitors from all over the world, Abu Dhabi Air Expo will be the Middle East's leading general aviation exhibition and will feature all of the latest products and innovations.

In addition, further developments are moving ahead on schedule as the airport works towards becoming one of the best dedicated business airports in the world, with the beginning of this year witnessing the opening of the Gourmet Executive's dedicated in-flight catering facility - to name a few.

WAM/AM