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Dubai World Central breaks ground for executive terminal

The facility will host Jet Aviation, XJet, and Jetex as key fixed-based operators.

Dubai World Central, the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis, on Tuesday announced the ground breaking for an Executive Terminal which will cater exclusively to business aviation.

The 6,000 sq. metre terminal is sited at DWC’s Aviation District and is scheduled to be completed in fourth quarter of 2015. The facility will host Jet Aviation, XJet, and Jetex as key fixed-based operators.

Speaking at the 6th Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) exhibition being held at Dubai World Central, Rashed Bu Qara’a, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, stated: “DWC is partnering with industry leaders to build a complete ecosystem for a world-class aerotropolis, and the Executive Terminal is a step in the right direction. Providing integrated access to both land side and air side, DWC’s Aviation District enables the seamless functioning of fixed- based operations and is, therefore, ideally placed to host a project of this magnitude”.

Other key features of the terminal include dedicated facilities for customs, immigration and police, separate drop-off and executive lounge areas to ensure full privacy, as well as walkable, direct access to the apron.

Khaled Al Mulla, Chairman, Al Mulla Investment Group, said: “In keeping with our role as leaders in the FBO and MRO sector, we took a strategic decision to transfer our operations to the Aviation District in DWC due to the heavy air traffic at Dubai International Airport, which sometimes leads to constraints that may impact our services. DWC has the ideal infrastructure, competitive pricing and the flexibility that we need to do business, especially with regards to technical stops, where flights from Europe land for technical checkups or for refueling purposes. We thank Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the DWC team for providing us the chance to work within this attractive environment. We look forward to a bright future in DWC.”

Founder and CEO Josh Stewart of XJet, a USA-headquartered exclusive private aviation service provider, said: “XJet has been committed to bringing its award-winning business model to the Middle East for a number of years. DWC provides us with the perfect location to launch our exclusive club & transient operations. We are incredibly excited to have been awarded a license to operate at the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis. The truly world-class setup at DWC has encouraged us to relocate our global headquarters to our new facility which will be opening in 2015.”

Adel Mardini, CEO and President of Jetex, said: “The new executive terminal will complement the rapid growth of business aviation in the Middle East in general and in Dubai in particular. Considering the geographical advantage that Dubai enjoys, I am confident that DWC will exceed all expectations for success and Jetex will play a significant role in that success through providing first-class customer service. With the diversified offerings of key players at this aerotropolis, DWC will give a new definition to the concept of general aviation and to flying in luxury.”

Services at the Executive Terminal will be supported by a US$80 million VIP Completion Centre scheduled for completion by Falcon Aviation by the end of 2015, details of which were announced on the first day of MEBAA.