Private jet revenues flying high in Abu Dhabi

Al Bateen Executive Airport is enjoying rising demand for business jet flights out of Abu Dhabi.

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Air operators are seeing a strong uptick in demand at Abu Dhabi's dedicated hub for business jets, Al Bateen Executive Airport, with the number of flights up nearly 40 per cent in the first half of the year.

The airport, fresh from a major upgrade that saw the former military facility refashioned into a hub for commercial activities, is seeing "outstanding performance" according to officials.

The facility is the only airport on Abu Dhabi Island and has touted its proximity to the UAE capital's central business district as a draw for visiting businessmen, and high-end visitors.

"Traffic will continue to grow," said Stephen Jones, the general manager at Al Bateen Executive Airport.

The news follows the recent addition of Al Bateen's fifth operator, Rotana Jet, which launched operations with a Gulfstream G450 jet in early 2011. Al Bateen Executive Airport also recently unveiled a new base to service aircraft and accommodate travelers, called "DhabiJet".

Commercial movements also witnessed an overall 12 per cent growth for the period from January to June, compared with the same period in 2010, according to the operator, Abu Dhabi Airports Company. This equates to over 4,500 commercial movements for the first half of the year.

igale@thenational.ae