ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Al Bateen Executive Airport, the business aviation airport of Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), today announced a 21 percent increase in visiting aircraft traffic in January through April 2013 versus the same period in 2012.

Commercial movements, including that of base operators, also marked an increase of 3 percent in the first four months of the year compared with the same period last year, reaching a total of 3,506 movements.

Yousif Al Hammadi, general manager of Al Bateen Executive Airport, commented: “Al Bateen Executive Airport’s record double digit growth in business jet movements clearly demonstrates the airport’s continued success in attracting new business. With new development projects underway, Al Bateen looks forward to expanding its services and welcoming more international customers as it maintains its position as the leading business aviation hub in the MENA region.”

Developments planned at Al Bateen Executive Airport include, airside aircraft parking, additional hangars for aircraft parking and maintenance, a passenger and visitor car park, passenger processing and VIP lounges, and an airport hotel.

In March of this year, the airport launched aircraft cleaning services provided by Falcon Aviation Services, based at Al Bateen Executive Airport. According to the ADAC, maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities will also be upgraded to meet the anticipated surge in demand as more aircraft and private jet companies make Al Bateen Executive Airport their base for operations.

Earlier this year, from 5th March to 7th March, Al Bateen Executive Airport hosted the Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2013, the region’s only general aviation exhibition.  The total value of sales at this year’s Air Expo reached in excess of AED three billion, with 13,000 visitors and over 160 exhibitors from local, regional and international companies, participating.