Abu Dhabi: Al Bateen Executive Airport, the dedicated business aviation airport of Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), witnessed a spur in traffic during the 2012 Formula 1 season.
The executive airport recorded 210 total commercial aircraft movements during the F1 race period between October 28 and November 5, with the November 3 and 5 being the peak days.
This growth represents a 38 per cent increase in aircraft movements when compared with the same F1 race period in 2011. The executive airport welcomed aircraft from all over the world carrying VIPs, Formula One drivers and other prominent figures of the international community.
In parallel to this traffic surge, Al Bateen registered a tangible increase in the number of visiting aircraft, which made up 63 per cent of the total aircraft movements at its facility within the race season, and recorded 42 per cent increase compared to the period of 2011 race.
In addition, the airport marked the November 4, the day of the race, as one of the busiest days for the Al Bateen apron as it registered a 78 per cent increase in number of aircraft on ground compared to last year’s race day, with a total of 32 aircraft either parked or on ground.
In this regard, Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operating Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports Company, stated:
“ADAC had an exciting week during the Etihad Airways Formula One Grand Prix, offering its award-winning services to all of the F1 guests at its international airports, and specifically at its dedicated VIP airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, which welcomed the “who’s who” of the
Formula 1 crowd. ADAC is glad to always be part of the Abu Dhabi F1 team and jointly celebrate the Emirate’s success during this event.”
