Al Bateen Executive Airport is gearing up for the 2011 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix scheduled for November 11th-13th.

The executive airport is expecting a surge in aircraft traffic leading up to and during the Grand Prix, as last year the business aviation airport handled nearly 100 movements throughout the F1 week.

The Middle East’s first dedicated executive airport is operated by Abu Dhabi Airports Company.

Al Bateen Executive Airport will provide landing and parking services free of charge to all business aviation customers flying into Al Bateen between November 10th and 14th 2011 as part of the airport’s commitment to develop and promote aviation in the region.

Passengers and crew members landing at Al Bateen Executive Airport will be among the first to experience the airport’s newly enhanced facilities within its newly launched DhabiJet FBO.

Crew members will be able to enjoy the new Crew Lounge and Flight Operations facilities, currently being completed and located alongside the executive terminal.

All F1 Grand Prix visiting crew will enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks in the garden seating area and have the opportunity to watch the live broadcast of the three day race event in the crew lounge.

Steve Jones, general manager of Al Bateen Executive Airport commented: “The addition of our impressive DhabiJet FBO and the new crew lounge demonstrates our proactive stance on leading business aviation in the Middle Eastern region.

“The F1 event represents an excellent platform from which to demonstrate our service provision.”

With bookings already beginning to be secured from private jet operators from all over the globe transporting drivers, team bosses, F1 officials and VIP visitors, the executive airport is set to manage hundreds of international aircraft movements Providing a completely bespoke experience from booking to touchdown, Al Bateen Executive Airport will accommodate any special requests or last minute changes to travel plans for guests during the busy F1 weekend.

“We are accustomed to such busy periods and we are expecting a real buzz at the airport this time of the year. 

“It is the culmination of months of careful preparation and the team spirit is infectious,” added Jones.

The airport’s strategic location provides clientele with direct access to the central business district of the capital city and a short 15 minutes’ drive to the Yas Island F1 circuit.

Short transits and waiting times for the aircraft ensure F1 visitors can make the most of their time at the circuit.

In addition, the VIP terminal at Al Bateen Executive Airport provides passengers with flexible and fast immigration and security services, thus enabling passengers to leave the executive airport within a few minutes of landing.