Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator of the emirate's five airports, has finalised a partnership with Jetex to enhance the VIP passenger experience at Al Bateen Executive airport.

A major milestone in Abu Dhabi Airports' strategy to further develop the business aviation offerings at the airport, Jetex will assume responsibility for managing daily business services under an FBO contract, upgrading key infrastructure within the VIP and VVIP terminals.

The agreement was made public during a signing ceremony held at Al Bateen airport, signed from Abu Airports' side by its MD and CEO HE Eng Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri and Adel Mardini, founder and CEO of Jetex.

“We are delighted to welcome Jetex to Al Bateen Executive airport and look forward to working with such a distinguished aviation services specialist as we reinvigorate tailor-made business aviation,” says Al Dhaheri. “As a dedicated FBO operator well versed with the needs and requirements of this specific market segment, we look forward to collaborating with Jetex moving forward and successfully delivering great value to all our passengers.”

Abu Dhabi will become the 38th destination in the Jetex global private jet terminal network, and the company plans to offer its award-winning flagship service concept at the airport. Passengers travelling via Jetex Abu Dhabi can look forward to a seamless travel experience with several spacious VIP and VVIP terminal lounges, elegant hospitality and the luxurious amenities synonymous with the Jetex brand. On-site immigration and customs support ensure smooth formalities for arrivals and departures. The secure apron and hangar parking facilities can accommodate up to 50 aircraft, offering a wide range of ground handling services.

Jetex founder and CEO Adel Mardini says: “Jetex Abu Dhabi marks a milestone for our brand and confirms our commitment to the region. We are especially excited to bring the Jetex experience to the UAE capital. We aim to create a regal welcome to this beautiful city for our international guests as well as to ensure that every need is anticipated, every wish is granted and every minute is memorable when you are with us.”

In 2022, expansion work was completed at Al Bateen Executive airport, which involved the resurfacing and widening of the existing 3.2km runway to accommodate widebody aircraft, in addition to upgraded ground lighting, enhanced signage and landscaping to meet the highest levels of safety, compliance and accreditation. Over the coming months, Jetex will redesign and further upgrade the FBO facilities to ensure that the airport continuously exceeds passenger and crew expectations and is equipped to meet current and future sustainability requirements of the industry.

Al Bateen is the only airport in the Middle East dedicated to business aviation. It was built in the 1960s, and for many years served as the main gateway to Abu Dhabi. Since 2008, the airport has operated as an executive jet facility, focusing on business jets with fast and efficient turnarounds without holding patterns or slot restrictions and short taxi times. Located in the heart of the city, it provides rapid access to Abu Dhabi's key financial, tourist and entertainment destinations.