Al Futtaim Services Company to establish operations at Dubai World Central

• Agreement signed by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Omar Al Futtaim on sidelines of MEBA 2010
• First general aviation services provider to establish operations at DWC; launch anticipated in Q3 2011
• Facility at DWC Al Maktoum International Airport to provide business jet charter, aircraft maintenance and management services

Dubai World Central (DWC), the region’s only aerotropolis, announced today the signing of a landmark agreement with Al Futtaim Services Company, a regional conglomerate, to establish general aviation services at DWC Al Maktoum International Airport.

The agreement was signed today by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation, and Omar Abdulla Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman, Al Futtaim Group.

Al Futtaim Services Company intends to enter into a joint venture with DC Aviation, a leading business jet operator in Europe, and the joint venture will provide a wide range of services from its upcoming facility at DWC Al Maktoum International Airport, including business jet charter, aircraft maintenance and aircraft management.

The Al Futtaim Services Company facility, which is expected to launch operations in the third quarter of next year, will host and service a fleet of varied aircraft, including Airbus A319 Corporate Jets and Bombardier Global Express, and initially occupy an area in excess of 6,000 square metres

Following the signing ceremony on the sidelines of Middle East Business Aviation 2010, the region’s premier business aviation show, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said, “It is a pleasure to announce that Al Futtaim Services Company will be the first general aviation services provider to establish operations at the only aerotropolis in the Middle East and North Africa region. This new partnership represents another milestone in Dubai’s ongoing development as a global aviation hub.”

“The entry of the Al Futtaim Services Company into the general aviation segment is a key component of our long-term growth and expansion strategy,” said Omar Al Futtaim. “We have carefully chosen a strong partner on our side. The long-term business relationship with DC Aviation assures us of a great prospect for this exciting project. The unique capabilities available at Dubai World Central are a perfect fit with our plans to become a leading aviation services operator in this young and dynamic region.”

“This partnership will further support the development of Dubai World Central and, specifically, DWC Al Maktoum International Airport,” said Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, who hailed the agreement as a demonstration of the joint commitment of the Government of Dubai and private-sector firms to contribute to the development of Dubai World Central.

He added: “Following the launch of cargo operations at DWC Al Maktoum International Airport, which upon completion will become the largest airport in the world, we now look forward eagerly to the introduction of general aviation services as well as passenger operations.”

Rashed Buqara’a, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said that the launch of general aviation services would complement perfectly the existing and upcoming components of Dubai World Central, which provides multimodal transport, global connectivity and operational predictability in a fast-cycle business environment.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the strength of the holistic vision of Dubai World Central, which is itself a critical part of the Dubai Government’s overall 2015 strategy to make the emirate a regional and international hub for aviation and logistics,” said Buqara’a. “We are enormously pleased to welcome Al Futtaim Services Company to Dubai World Central.”