Business Bureau, Gulf Today

In the presence of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, Bryan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yao Yabo, President of Beijing Daxing International Airport (BDIA), establishing a framework for the sharing of best practices and the exploration of potential opportunities for future collaboration. The MoU was signed at the BDIA Management Center in Beijing recently.

The signing of the memorandum follows the opening of the Beijing Daxing International Airport last month, and ahead of the opening of the Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Both parties agreed to establish mechanisms for interactive contact and the exchange of knowledge and best practices, alongside sharing ideas on developing their airports and advancing the wider aviation industry for the benefit of passengers and visitors from around the world.

Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan was present at the signing of the MoU, along with, Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, Tony Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Aviation Group, and Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Senior Vice President, Government, International and Communications of Etihad Aviation Group.

Speaking after the signing, Bryan Thompson commented, “The signing of this MoU with Beijing Daxing International Airport is a source of pride and delight for those of us at Abu Dhabi Airports. This agreement is the result of the close social and economic ties between the UAE and China, and we look forward to working with our Chinese colleagues to enhance our partnership at all levels.”

He added, “We are the first airport to sign an agreement with Beijing Daxing International Airport, highlighting Abu Dhabi International Airport’s status as a regional aviation hub and commitment to collaborating with partners from across the globe.”

 Bryan Thompson said: “The Chinese tourism and business market is important to the economy of Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE. Abu Dhabi is a popular destination for Chinese travellers, and tourist numbers are continuing to increase year on year.” “We have enjoyed an already close relationship with the Chinese airport sector, signing a sister airport MoU with Beijing Capital International Airport in 2017. Through that relationship, we have exchanged best practices and information on the operation and management of airport infrastructure, and we look forward to continuing that partnership over the coming years with Beijing Daxing International Airport,” concluded Thompson.

Speaking in the signing, Yao Yabo commented, “On September 25th of 2019, the Chinese President XI Jinping officially announced the opening of Beijing Daxing International Airport. We believe on the basis of long-term and win-win cooperation with Abu Dhabi Airport, the two sides will jointly make more contributions to China’s civil aviation and world’s civil aviation.”

Abu Dhabi Airports recently celebrated the national day of the People’s Republic of China at Abu Dhabi International Airport by greeting passengers with the waving red of the Chinese flag.

The celebrations further cement the attractiveness of Abu Dhabi International Airport, both as a destination and a transit hub, for passengers travelling from China, alongside demonstrating the close of ties between the UAE and China.

Chinese tourists arriving in Abu Dhabi were greeted with the Chinese flag at the airport, alongside an Instagram photo frame and digital screens celebrating 70 years of the People’s Republic of China. The celebration allowed Chinese tourists to continue the celebrations, even when away from home.

Bryan Thompson, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: “At Abu Dhabi Airports, we extend our warmest congratulations to the people of China on this, their 70th anniversary. China and the UAE enjoy strong relations, and we are particularly proud to join in the festivities from here, in Abu Dhabi.”

“China is one of the top tourism markets for Abu Dhabi, and we are delighted to welcome an increasing number of Chinese tourists to the capital, year on year. Abu Dhabi is a unique destination with countless attractions, and we look forward to welcoming more tourists to further emphasise both the natural and architectural splendour that can be discovered in this city.”

“With four regular flights flying direct from Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Hong Kong to Abu Dhabi International Airport, we hope to continue to serve and expand our offerings for the Chinese tourism and business travel market. We look forward to working more closely with partners in the Chinese aviation sector to develop further routes between China and Abu Dhabi,” he said.