Abu Dhabi-based Royal Jet aims to complete the first phase of its expansion plans at Al Bateen Executive Airport by the fourth quarter of next year, the luxury charter operator said yesterday.
The charter operator and Abu Dhabi Airports said that planning and development of its integrated base is well under way.
The expansion at Al Bateen comes as passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport continues to grow rapidly. Passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi Airport recorded a 12.4 per cent growth last year to 15.2 million passengers.
“It has become tight at Abu Dhabi airport for private operators,” said Shane O’Hare, Royal Jet’s president and chief executive.
The company, however, will continue to maintain operations at the capital’s main airport, said Mr O’Hare.
At Al Bateen, Royal Jet will build a 4,500 square metre hangar large enough to accommodate any aircraft in its fleet, maintenance facilities, space for its Medevac arm and its administration headquarters.
“This move to a new facility, along with the UAE’s overall aviation strategy, is in line with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Vision,” Mr O’Hare said.
Mr O’Hare said Royal Jet, which does not disclose its financial results, recorded a 9 per cent profit margin growth in 2013. “The conditions were tough and there was pressure on yields. However, we expect profit margins of between 5 to 6 per cent this year,” he said.
siyer@thenational.ae
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