A tourist attraction in its own right and a Mecca for passengers and shoppers.
That is how some observers are describing the forthcoming opening of the new Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal A.From 1 November Terminal A will begin operations, bringing a major increase to passenger capacity in Abu Dhabi and strengthening the emirate's standing as a global aviation hub.
Etihad's ceremonial flight will take place on 31 October, ahead of opening to the public on 1 November. The new terminal will enhance travel experiences through state-of-the-art facilities made available to passengers and airlines in the region.
Airlines will transition into Terminal A in three phases over a period of two weeks: after the ceremonial flight Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and 15 other international airlines will fly from the new terminal on 1 November.
From 9 November Etihad Airways will operate 16 daily flights, before completing its transition to their new home on 14 November, together with Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and 10 other airlines. After that date all 28 airlines will be operating from Terminal A. There will be 65 parking bays connecting aircraft to allocated boarding gates.
Tested for readiness
In preparation for the opening, operational readiness trials were completed this month. The trials involved more than 11,000 volunteers selected from the Abu Dhabi community including airport staff members, students, families and stakeholders from Abu Dhabi's aviation community.
Those taking part in the robust simulations stress-tested end-to-end passenger journeys encompassing systems, equipment, staff and procedures in key operating areas such as check-in, baggage, security screening, immigration and boarding. The successful completion of these trials was a key milestone in ensuring Terminal A was ready for opening to the public.
Shopping and dining
When fully operational, Terminal A will be a shopper's paradise covering 35,000 square metres with 163 retail concessionaires as well as food and beverage, offering passengers a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunities to enjoy.
From Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Ferragamo, to the world's first Muji airport store, Terminal A is a shopping destination designed to amplify a passenger's travel experience. When it comes to food and beverage, there is something to accommodate all palates. Jones The Grocer, Taste of India, Starbucks and the Camden Food Co. are just a few of the well-known brands calling Terminal A their new home.
Additionally, American restaurateur and celebrity chef Todd English opens his first airport restaurant, providing diners with a wide selection of cuisines from around the world. For relaxation and rejuvenating prior to flying, there are two health and beauty spas along with a high quality 138-bedroom hotel plus a modern open-air lounge.
State of the art design
Terminal A will be the first in the world to include all nine biometric airport touchpoints. In the first phase, this will see biometric solutions installed in key areas, such as self-service bag drops, immigration eGates and boarding gates. When fully operational, it will use facial recognition technology to screen passengers and minimise wait times. Other high-tech facilities include an advanced baggage handling system capable of processing up to 19,200 bags per hour.
The X-shaped building design helps improve operational efficiency and passenger flow featuring four themed piers inspired by Abu Dhabi's desert, sea, city and oasis natural landscapes. It also features the Sana Al Nour, which is one of the largest indoor public art features in the Middle East, standing at 22 metres tall and 17 metres wide.
Terminal A will drastically reduce water consumption by 45 per cent, while more than 7,500 solar panels power a 3MW plant that currently saves 5,300 tons of carbon dioxide annually. Meanwhile, a state-of-the-art Advanced Surface Movement Control System, the first of its kind in the Middle East, will allow planes to land quickly and safely during low-visibility weather conditions.
Terminal A is one of the largest airport terminals in the world, strengthening Abu Dhabi's global position as a centre for tourism, trade and commerce. The Terminal will double the current airport capacity, with the capability to accommodate up to 45 million passengers a year. At triple the size of the previous Terminal, and with flights to 117 destinations worldwide, it will increase both the frequency and reach of flights to and from Abu Dhabi, boosting the emirate as a destination for travel, business and entertainment.
Photos supplied by Pixabay/Pexels
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