Following the successful conclusion of the Operations Management Agreement (OMA) to operate and manage the existing Abu Dhabi International Airport in December 2006, Changi Airports International (CAI) has also been…
Following the successful conclusion of the Operations Management Agreement (OMA) to operate and manage the existing Abu Dhabi International Airport in December 2006, Changi Airports International (CAI) has also been appointed to advise the Airport on the planning of its new Midfield Terminal Complex, an integral part of the Airport’s US$6.8 billion expansion program. This extension of the OMA is an important development for Changi Airport because this is the largest airport planning assignment undertaken by CAI outside Singapore according to company`s executives.
The new Midfield Terminal Complex at the Abu Dhabi airport is designed to accommodate up to 40 million passengers per annum (40 mppa), roughly the combined capacity of Terminals 1 and 2 of Changi Airport. In this assignment, CAI will advise the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) in determining the planning approach for the development of the airport and reviewing the work undertaken by other airport consultants appointed by the client.
The scope of the planning advisory work also includes the development of a second runway for the airport. The first phase of the construction of the new Midfield Terminal Complex is scheduled for 2010. Subsequent phases will proceed as the airport expands its operations.
The announcement of CAI’s increased involvement in ADIA coincides with Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong’s official visit to Abu Dhabi, where he was briefed on ADIA’s expansion program by H.E. Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Chairman and Managing Director of ADAC. CAI’s CEO Chow Kok Fong, said he is heartened that Changi is now participating in the management and operation of the existing airport and getting involved in the planning of the new 40 mppa Midfield Terminal Complex.
“Although we have only just been formally awarded these contracts, we have spent several months on the ground working on the premise that if we show our good faith as solution providers, we will be eventually recognized for what we are. Our clients are very clear in their intentions. They know that Changi is one of those few mega-airports in the world which have been developed very close to a proper master plan. Our approach to airport planning is well known – it is disciplined, yet flexible and sensitive to evolving dynamic of the industry,” said Chow Kok Fong.
CAI already has a team of resident and non-resident airport managers in Abu Dhabi to help improve the safety, security, efficiency and service level of ADIA under the management agreement. With the latest arrangement, CAI’s role will be the owner-advisor to ADAC’s expansion program, providing technical advice.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
