Dubai: Dubai World Central — Al Maktoum International Airport has officially opened for general aviation operations, Dubai Airports said in a statement yesterday.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) granted regulatory approval following a review of safety, security and standard operational procedures at the Jebel Ali airport.
Dubai World Central (DWC), a $33 billion (Dh121.19 billion) aerotropolis, will be the world's largest urban development project upon completion. It consists of Al Maktoum International Airport, a logistics city, an aviation services city and numerous residential and commercial projects.
Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: "This is a significant development for Dubai World Central — Al Maktoum International, which we foresee as developing into a major regional hub for general aviation in the years to come. Our new airport is an increasingly appealing option for general aviation companies in the region, particularly as air traffic volumes increase at Dubai International Airport".
The GCAA, the UAE's aviation regulator, also authorised issuance of an amended aerodrome certificate for helicopter and passenger aircraft operations.
Al Futtaim Services Company, in a joint venture with European jet operator DC Aviation, will provide a range of general aviation services at the airport including business jet charters, aircraft maintenance and aircraft management.
Al Futtaim, the first client at Aviation City, operates a fleet of aircraft including Airbus A319 Corporate Jets and Bombardier Global Express.
John Siddharth, Industry Analyst for Aerospace and Defence Practice, South Asia and Middle East, at consultancy firm Frost & Sullivan, said the business jets market in the Middle East had been catalysed by wealth in the region.
"The UAE and Saudi Arabia are expected to account for about 60 per cent of total business jet deliveries for the next ten years," he said.
"The business jets movement accounted for about 22,500 jets out of Dubai International Airport in 2010, which is a key challenge from an airport operations perspective," he said.
"Dubai World Central — Al Maktoum International will not only ease general aviation traffic from Dubai International Airport but will also drive the business jets market in the Middle East. It is expected to evolve into a regional hub in the near future," he added.
Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International Airport will be the biggest airport in the world with five runways, four terminal buildings and a capacity to handle 160 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo. Initially, it will operate one A380 capable runway, 64 remote stands, one cargo terminal with an annual capacity of 250,000 tonnes of cargo and a passenger terminal building designed to accommodate five million passengers per year as part of Phase 1.
The launch of general aviation services at DWC will lead to a gradual transitioning of operations from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International.
