Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) said the first airport for business jets will be completely certified by federal aviation authorities this summer. The Al Bateen Air Base was upgraded by ADAC at a cost of Dh200 million (US$54 million). The military airfield is being converted for use exclusively by private air operators, and this is part of the emirates aviation investment in order to drive growth.
Over the last few years the private jet operators Private Jet and Falcon Aviation Services were allowed to operate out of Al Bateen, even though it is a military air base. After the airport is fully certified for commercial use, it is expected that other jet operators such as Al Jabeer Aviation will open shop. Al Jabeer Aviation is a subsidiary of the Al Jaber Group.