Adac to upgrade fuel-related facilities at main airports in deal with Adnoc Distribution

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) said yesterday that it would undertake a massive upgrade of fuel-related infrastructure at its three main airports in the emirate to keep pace with growing aviation demand over the next two decades. The 20-year deal with Adnoc Distribution, announced yesterday, builds upon an existing agreement between the two entities for provision of fuel-related services to Abu Dhabi International, Al Ain International and Al Bateen Executive airports.

The agreement centres on the expansion of fuel-related infrastructure at Abu Dhabi International Airport, encompassing both existing terminals and the under-construction Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), slated for completion in 2017.

Upon completion, the MTC will increase Abu Dhabi International’s capacity to more than 40 million passengers per year.

Under the terms of the deal, Adnoc Distribution will upgrade the existing fuel farm storage facility at Abu Dhabi International and construct a new fuel farm in the East Midfield area of the airport.

Adac’s total fuel capacity will increase to 130 million litres, from its current level of 47 million litres, upon completion of the work.

Adac for its part will develop a new fuel hydrant system for Abu Dhabi International, encompassing both existing terminals and the MTC.

The hydrant system will stretch more than 20 kilometres and will be capable of serving up to 130 aircraft stands.

The fuel pipeline between Abu Dhabi International and Adnoc’s refineries in Abu Dhabi and Ruwais will also be upgraded.

The financial aspects of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Our airports are undergoing many significant operational upgrades beyond terminal development,” said Ali Majed Al Mansoori, the chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports.

These upgrades, “whilst not being 100 per cent visible to the passenger, are all designed to ensure that the travel experience through Abu Dhabi is one of the best in the world,” he said.

An Adac spokeswoman did not comment on how the new agreement would affect Al Ain International and Al Bateen Executive airports.

Adac also operates airports on Delma and Sir Bani Yas islands.

jeverington@thenational.ae

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