Al Bateen Executive Airport in the UAE is to be linked with Le Bourget Airport in Paris, France, under an agreement expected to benefit both the airports.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) linking both airports was signed today between Abu Dhabi Airports and Aéroports de Paris (ADP) during the last day of the 2016 Abu Dhabi Air Expo, which is being held at Al Bateen airport.

It was signed by Abdul Majeed Al Khoori, Chief Financial Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports and Isabelle Dreysse, Deputy Managing Director of Paris-Le Bourget.

The agreement will pave the way for extensive collaboration between the two airports on a variety of aviation industry issues. 

Regular meetings will be held between the airport teams focusing in particular on customer service, technology and sustainability. 

Abu Dhabi Airports Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei commented: “We are delighted to have signed this agreement with ADP and we believe it will benefit both parties significantly. We will maintain a close exchange of information through regular correspondence -, and we will introduce personnel exchange programs. Abu Dhabi Airports is excited to work closely with ADP and we look forward to a successful relationship that will bring advantages to all involved.” 

Bruno Mazurkiewicz, Managing Director of Paris-Le Bourget & General Aviation Aerodromes, commented: “It is a pleasure to ink this agreement with Abu Dhabi Airports, and we are excited about the benefits that this MoU will bring. We will now be able to quickly share critical information and news around trends in civil aviation administration and policies. This agreement will also help us to foster human resources with global skills and improve training capabilities.” 

The only exclusive business aviation airport in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), Al Bateen Executive Airport began commercial operations in 2008 from its location at the heart of Abu Dhabi city, and currently has a stand capacity for up to 90 private jets. The airport recently announced record traffic figures in 2015, welcoming 43,278 passengers through its gates. 

Wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government, Abu Dhabi Airports is responsible for the development of the emirate's aviation infrastructure and the operations of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports, Al Bateen Executive Airport, as well as Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports. 

Currently under way is the multi-billion dollar redevelopment and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 45 million passengers per year. As part of this redevelopment, a second runway and a third terminal have been completed.