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ADAC converts military air base to commercial airport for private jets

The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) says that the regions first exclusive airport for private jets will receive full certification this summer from the federal aviation authorities.

ADAC is in the process of completing a $54.5 million upgrade of the Al Bateen Air Base, a military air base located on Abu Dhabi island that will be converted to a private air operators airport as a part of the emirate’s investment in aviation.

In the past years, two private jet operators—Falcon Aviation Services and Prestige Jet—were granted commissions to operate out of Al Bateen, despite its military status. Other operators are expected to open shop once the airport has been certified for commercial use.

The Al Bateen private jet airport will be one of the largest private aircraft airports in the world. 

The airport operator is currently completing the requirements stipulated by the General Aviation Authority to convert the military base into a commercial airport for private jets.

“The main concerns are safety, security and air navigation services,” outlined Mohammed al Bulooki, VP of airline marketing and aeronautical revenue at ADAC. “The military and civilian access also has to be segregated.”

The UAE Air Force and the Italian Air Force, whom have used the base for the past years, are expected to move out within the next two to four years.