Abu Dhabi Airports is marking a decade of innovation in aviation this year as the company celebrates its tenth anniversary. Created in 2006, Abu Dhabi Airports Company was formed to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure, and assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and Al Ain Airport (AAN). Abu Dhabi Airports later added Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI), an exclusive business aviation airport, along with Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. The company has further diversified its assets over the last 10 years to include Abu Dhabi Airport Business City – a free zone operating at AUH, AAN and AZI; and the Gulf Center for Aviation Studies – a center of excellence for airport and aviation training. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: "Innovation, as well as the passion and determination of our staff, have been the key pillars to our continued success. The aviation sector in the emirate has changed considerably over the last ten years and we are proud of the role that Abu Dhabi Airports has played in facilitating that the positive changes witnessed in this dynamic sector. Through innovative products such as our recently launched Smart Travel System at Abu Dhabi International Airport, we have consistently provided high quality facilities and services with cutting-edge solutions to passengers at all our airports, and we will continue to do as we receive more and more visitors from around the world." Since 2006, Abu Dhabi Airports has thrived. The company has invested over 20 AED billion in capital development projects during the past ten years across all of its airport sites. The biggest infrastructure project undertaken so far, the Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), will increase Abu Dhabi International Airport's overall capacity to 45 million passengers per year. Emiratization figures have increased from 25% in 2010 to over 50% in 2015, with 82% of executive management roles now occupied by UAE nationals. The company remains committed to its objective to be an employer of choice for Emiratis and has developed its National Development Program (NDP) for employing and training UAE graduates. "Aviation is playing a significant role in the diversification of the economy, as outlined in Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030. It is therefore imperative to develop national expertise and workforce within the industry to deliver sustainable growth.
