LONDON – Etihad Airways and ADQ have revealed their plans to help expand Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector.

Tony Douglas, Group CEO of Etihad Aviation Group, said: “We’re excited to partner with ADQ on the next stage of our transformation. The past two years have changed the face of aviation and the proposed agreement marks a significant milestone in how we are repositioning Etihad Airways and our subsidiaries for long-term success. This agreement will allow us to place 100% of our focus on Etihad Airways to capitalise on recovering travel demand and will benefit our staff, the millions of guests who fly with Etihad Airways every year, and Abu Dhabi’s wider aviation sector. We are working closely with ADQ to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. With a new, single-minded focus on our airline business, we will continue to deliver on the best-in-class and sustainable travel experience that our guests expect of Etihad Airways.”

Logistic handoff

ADQ, one of the Middle Eastern region’s biggest holding companies, will start an Aviation support services company. Their current business portfolio includes Abu Dhabi Airports and AD Ports group. In the proposed plans, ADQ will take over the following Etihad businesses:

• Etihad Engineering
• Etihad Airport Services Cargo
• Etihad Airport Services Ground
• Etihad Aviation Training
• Etihad Secure Logistics
• Etihad Techincal Training

H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, CEO of ADQ, said: “With the proposed addition of Etihad’s experienced aviation support businesses to our new dedicated aviation company, ADQ is primed to develop an integrated aviation platform that is driven by performance and a robust financial foundation through its new company. With an integrated mobility and logistics portfolio that plays a leading role in the development of Abu Dhabi’s global connectivity, we are well-positioned to unlock the growth potential of these aviation services businesses. We see potential to capitalise on growth opportunities, attract a wider client base of airlines and drive the future expansion of Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector.”

ADNEC Deal

Alongside the deal with ADQ, another proposed change sees Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC) take on two Etihad businesses. Etihad Airport Services Catering will be merged into Capital Hospitality, the catering business of ADNEC. Etihad holidays will merge with Tourism 365, ADNEC’s tourism promotion business.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) said: “The inclusion of Etihad Airport Services Catering and Etihad Holidays supports Abu Dhabi’s strategy which aims to achieve integration between various business units across exciting economic sectors. This move will enable us to go above and beyond the customers’ expectations by building on what has been done already. Our focus remains on achieving milestones and continuing to work to enhance competitiveness at the regional and international levels, as well as increase contributions to the economy of Abu Dhabi and support sustainable development.”

The businesses being taken by ADQ and ADNEC will remain strategic partners with Etihad Airways. The deal is subject to approvals and conditions.