Al Bateen has increase in movements

Steve Jones, general manager of the
executive airport at Al Bateen reported that the airport has experienced an increase
in flights in the third quarter of this year and he expects demand to remain
high for the rest of the year.

“Our whole year will be slightly higher
than 12 per cent because it includes part of our quiet period over the
summer,” said Jones.

He continued “We will see a very busy
period now that will stretch right through to next May.”

The airport recorded a 42 per cent increase
in visiting flights in the third quarter compared with the same period last
year. Al Bateen handled 1,903 commercial flights
in the period between July and last month this year, which Jones says was
driven by an increase in the quality of service and facilities at the airfield.

“The airport’s strategic location,
providing businessmen with access to the central business district of the city,
is one of the key strengths of this facility,” he said.

Boosted by the Formula One race, Al Bateen
expects next month to be its busiest of the year as celebrities, businessmen
and government officials fly in for the event.

“The airport will offer free landing
and parking to all visiting VIP aircraft using the executive terminal over the
Formula One period,” said Jones.

“Dubai
has a very large business aviation population, but it’s very difficult now
because the capacity there is crowded by the main carriers,” he said.