The positive passenger development during 2010 was also reflected in the aircraft movement numbers that reached 112,000 aircraft, a jump of 10% in comparison to 2009. Levels of air cargo demonstrated a dynamic growth of 16% in 2010, registering 438,000 tonnes of cargo handled at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

ADAC (Abu Dhabi Airports Company) has focused heavily on attracting new airlines and encouraging existing airlines to expand their services to Abu Dhabi through new routes and increased frequencies. In 2010, ADAC welcomed six new international airlines, added ten new destinations and serviced an average of 42 additional frequencies from its existing airlines – a 13% increase in the total weekly outbound flights compared with the previous year. Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, continues to be the key contributor of the airport’s growth.

The airport growth was apparent in its retail division, as ADAC registered AED 582 million revenue in 2010, a 15% increase compared to 2009. The average transaction value also increased by 5.8% to reach AED 194.

Al Bateen Executive Airport, ADAC’s dedicated private aviation airport, witnessed parallel growth with a 36% increase in commercial business aircraft movement in 2010 compared to 2009. Last year, the executive airport handled nearly 8,000 aircraft.