Al Bateen Executive Airport welcomes new FBO Manager.

Thursday 31st March 2011

Al Bateen Executive Airport, the Middle East's exclusive private aviation airport in Abu Dhabi, has appointed Pauline Smith to a new role as FBO Manager, effective immediately. Pauline joins from ExecuJet Middle East where for the past three years she has been responsible for the day to day running of its highly regarded FBO facility at Dubai International Airport.

In her new role Pauline will report to General Manager Stephen Jones, working alongside a strong team all committed to creating a prestigious, world class business aviation facility. "I feel very privileged and excited to be part of the expanding Al Bateen team and play a key role in helping to make it the internationally renowned, dedicated business and VIP centre of choice."

Pauline started her aviation career 17 years ago with Harrods Aviation at London Stansted. As Duty Officer at the company's London Luton Airport base, she run several departments and oversaw all aspects of VIP aircraft handling. She remained with Harrods for 14 years before taking a two- year break to tour the world. In 2008 she joined ExecuJet and set about delivering and generating new business to its growing FBO and MRO in Dubai. "My experience at ExecuJet, dealing with very discerning and sophisticated clients and working in a very multi-cultural environment will serve me well in this new role," she said.

"We are delighted to welcome Pauline to the team," said Al Bateen General Manager Stephen Jones. "We have some very innovative plans taking shape for the FBO here that we look forward to shaping and announcing early this summer. Having someone of Pauline's calibre with her strong focus on customer service will help us tremendously in realizing our plans."

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has already invested US$50 million in turning the 50 year-old military airport into a state-of-the-art business airport with an impressive VVIP passenger terminal. A further US$100 million has been committed to new hangars, apron enhancements, utilities and runway work.

In 2010, aircraft movements were up 36% over 2009, up to 7,970. By 2014 ADAC is forecasting 11,700 movements at the airport, which can accommodate up to Boeing Business Jet and Airbus A319-sized aircraft. As the main hub airport, Abu Dhabi International, gets busier with international scheduled traffic, Al Bateen is well placed to handle increasing business aviation traffic. Clients can board their aircraft swiftly by chauffeur car direct to the steps and there are no delays waiting on the runway to take off behind a bigger scheduled passenger jet.

Al Bateen is also home to the Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies, GCAS, a multi-million dollar project with a focus on creating a centre of excellence for airport and aviation training.

Al Bateen Executive and its senior management team will participate at Europe's premier business aviation show EBACE in Geneva during 17-19 May. Stand 336.

About Al Bateen Executive Airport:

Al Bateen Executive Airport is a dedicated business jet airport, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region; conveniently located only a five kilometres from the central business district of Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital. The downtown location of Al Bateen Executive Airport makes it ideal for users of business jets, whose time is valuable and who have a high-regard for the convenience that personalised jet travel can bring.

Benefits:

-Only dedicated private aviation airport in the region. -Fast & efficient turnarounds. -Ideal location in the city centre close to central business district. -Over 90 parking/maintenance spaces in hangars for different aircraft sizes + 20 apron parking stands. -Luxury Hotel (planned). -Business Campus - full business traveller facilities and stand-alone offices. -One-stop-shop Business Jet Specialists. -Fuel, handling, and other FBO services. -Air Taxis. -Vendor/Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) access. -Related aviation business access.-Aviation education and training. -About Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was incorporated by Amiri Decree number 5, issued on 4 March 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure. In September 2006, ADAC assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, ADAC added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive private aviation airport), and Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travellers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi's development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.

Currently under way is the multi-billion dollar re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 20 million passengers per year. As part of this redevelopment, a second runway and a third terminal have been completed.