Al Bateen Executive Airport Signs MoU with Air Works.

Wednesday 18th May 2011

Abu Dhabi Airports Company, operator of the Middle East's exclusive private jet airport in the city of Abu Dhabi, announced today (18 May) that it intends to enter into commercial discussions with, Air Works, one of the leading independent providers of Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services in India and Aircraft Paint and Refinishing in the UK, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Geneva.

"Air Works and Al Bateen are a natural fit, we each share the same philosophy: to offer exceptional products and service to our customers," said General Manager Stephen Jones. Founded in 1951, Air Works is a professionally managed organization providing a full-suite of services to services for aircraft maintenance and aircraft painting to business as well as commercial aircraft in India, UK, Middle East and South East Asia.

Air Works maintenance capability has grown from the DC-3's it maintained in the early 1950s, to approvals to maintain over 100 business aircraft in India across 14 locations. Air Works is now an Authorized Service Centre for Agusta Westland, Bell Helicopter, Bombardier, Embraer, Garmin, Gulfstream, Hawker Beechcraft, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins and Superjet International.

Air Works is also India's only EASA, DGCA, GCAA and CAAS certified MRO with approvals for ATR42/72, Airbus A320, and Boeing B737. Through its Air Livery subsidiary, Air Works is one of Europe's largest providers of aircraft paint services servicing marquee clients.

Air Works has also become the first aviation organization in India to have been awarded Aviation Week's 2011 MRO of the year award for outstanding achievement and innovation in aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul.

Commenting on the occasion Vivek N Gour, Managing Director of Air Works said "This partnership will be highly beneficial for both parties. It provides Air Works access to world class infrastructure at the airport to provide high quality MRO services to business aircraft in the region. In turn, Al Bateen will be able to add a critical element to its portfolio in its quest to offer a full suite of products and services to its customers."

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has invested US$50 million in turning the 50 year-old airport into a state-of-the-art business aviation facility with an impressive VIP passenger terminal. Further funding has been committed to new hangars, apron enhancements, utilities and runway work. In 2010, aircraft movements were up 36% over 2009, to 7,970. By 2014 ADAC is forecasting 12,000 movements at the airport, which can accommodate up to Boeing Business Jet and Airbus A319-sized aircraft.

Al Bateen is very well placed to handle business aviation traffic by virtue of its city location and focus on speed and efficiency. Passengers are able to board their aircraft and be airborne in a matter of minutes. Al Bateen is also the 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 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 Parking for over 100 aircraft (apron & hangar) Commercial office space available now One-stop-shop Business Jet Specialists Full FBO services including fuel, handling, catering and dedicated crew facilities: 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. About Air Works:

Established in 1951, Air Works is the leading provider of aviation services qualified to maintain over 50 aircraft types, for over 100 customers across 14 maintenance locations. Air Works is India's only EASA, DGCA, GCAA (Middle East) and CAAS (Singapore) certified MRO with approvals for ATR42/72, Airbus A320, and Boeing B737.

With a strong network of OEM relationships, Air Works is an Authorized Service Centre for Agusta Westland, Bell Helicopter, Bombardier, Embraer, Garmin, Gulfstream, Hawker Beechcraft, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins and Superjet International. Through its Air Livery subsidiary, Air Works is one of Europe's largest providers of aircraft paint services servicing marquee clients out of its multiple facilities in the UK and an upcoming dedicated paint hangar in India.

Image: Left to Right:

Yousif Al Hammadi - Deputy General Manager Al BateenSteve Jones - General Manager Al BateenRavi Menon - Director and Group Head Business Development - AirworksVivek Gour - Managing Director AirworksAshley Calaz - Senior Manager Commercial - Al Bateen