Tag Archives: Bryan Thompson

In the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, Bryan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yao Yabo, President of Beijing Daxing International Airport (BDIA), establishing a framework for the sharing of best practices and the exploration of potential opportunities for future collaboration. Speaking after the signing, Thompson commented, “This agreement is the result of the close social and economic ties between the UAE and China, and we look forward to working with our Chinese colleagues to enhance our partnership at all levels. We are the first airport to sign an agreement with Beijing Daxing International Airport, highlighting Abu Dhabi International Airports status as a regional aviation hub and commitment to collaborating with partners from across the globe.” Yao Yabo commented, “On September 25, 2019, the Chinese President Xi Jinping officially announced the opening of Beijing Daxing International Airport. We believe on the basis of long-term and win-win cooperation with Abu Dhabi Airports, the two sides will jointly make more contributions to China’s civil aviation and the world’s civil aviation.”

IndiGo commenced two new daily direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Abu Dhabi. The inaugural flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi to Abu Dhabi took flight on Wednesday, June 5 at 19:55 local time, while the flight from Abu Dhabi to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai departed at 23:30 local time. The new flights were celebrated with a cake cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 5 and was attended by key representatives from Abu Dhabi International Airport and IndiGo. Bryan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “This enhanced connectivity reflects the strong connection between the UAE and India in a variety of areas including commerce and tourism. IndiGo is one of the busiest Indian airlines operating at Abu Dhabi International Airport to now four destinations; Cochin, Calicut, Delhi and Mumbai. With the two new routes we look forward to continuing to facilitate the travel of Indian expats between their homeland and the UAE and attracting tourist traffic between the multiple destinations.” On the occasion, William Boulter, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo, said, “As we strengthen our operations from Delhi and Mumbai for domestic and international connectivity from India, Abu Dhabi being a major cultural and commercial centre in UAE, is a critical market for strengthening our presence in the Middle-East. With the addition of these new international flights and enhanced domestic frequency, we are committed to expanding our network to meet the requirements of both business and leisure travellers.” IndiGo passengers traveling from Abu Dhabi International Airport will be able to take advantage of Abu Dhabi Airports’ remote check-in locations at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and at the heart of capital opposite Abu …

The Ministry of Community Development and Etihad Airways have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch the Etihad Senior Emiratis Basma Programme, which offers UAE nationals over the age of 60 an exclusive programme of benefits when flying with the airline. Etihad has also signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Airports to provide Basma members with a range of added benefits from the capital’s airport. On the occasion of the launch, Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, emphasised the importance of signing this MoU with Etihad Airways to offer an exclusive programme of benefits and discounts for senior Emiratis. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “Following in the footsteps of our country’s great leadership, Etihad Airways truly values the contribution of the UAE’s senior citizens to our society.” Users of the Etihad Senior Emiratis Basma Card will be able to instantly access Silver status with Etihad Guest, the airline’s award-winning loyalty programme. Further benefits include discounts on Etihad Airways flights, when booked through Etihad Airways retail offices. Members will also receive 25 per cent bonus Guest Miles, discounts on upgrades using miles at the airport, alongside priority check-in at Abu Dhabi International Airport. They will also be entitled to an additional baggage allowance, depending on the class of travel. Commenting on this collaboration, Bryan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “Abu Dhabi Airports is eager to collaborate with our key partner, Etihad Airways, on producing tailored and creative offers that will further enhance our customer experience across our services.” Guests within the programme will also be offered a 10 per cent discount at Abu Dhabi Duty Free, as well …

Abu Dhabi Airports, with the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has opened a series of new ‘AUH Libraries’ at Abu Dhabi International Airport, following the UAE’s Month of Reading in March 2019. Located across Terminals 1 and 3, passengers are welcome to visit the Main Library near gates 14-18 in the T1-Transit area, as well as three ‘mini libraries’ along the airside corridor between T1 and T3 and an additional three mini libraries at the departure pier in T3 (Gates 33-35). The Main Library accommodates up to ten people at a time, while the smaller units can host six people. During 2016’s Year of Reading, Abu Dhabi Airports had launched its inaugural airport library, which was the first amongst the region’s airports, and has since then continued to promote a culture of reading throughout its facilities. The new libraries that are launched today are a step further towards enhancing customer experience at the Capital’s airport. With around 200 books provided by DCT Abu Dhabi, passengers from across the globe can now enjoy an array of novels, as well as a selection of books related to the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Speaking about the opening of the libraries, Bryan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “We are delighted to welcome travellers to take a minute to dive into a novel or learn about the UAE’s rich heritage at our new libraries across Abu Dhabi International Airport. Much like travel, reading opens our minds to new experiences and places and Abu Dhabi Airports is committed to fostering a culture of reading …

Abu Dhabi Airports has announced its airport-wide rollout of ‘Super-Fi’ that will increase internet upload and download speeds to a maximum of 200 mbps per user at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). The Super-Fi internet access, the fastest airport Wi-Fi service in the world, has been installed and tested throughout all three terminals. The move comes as part of Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to enhanced passenger experiences, as well as its journey of digitalisation and innovation. It will now provide millions of travellers with improved online connectivity. Bryan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “We understand just how important WiFi has become to the travelling public. At Abu Dhabi Airports, we value our customers first and foremost, placing a primary focus on their experiences while coming and going from the UAE’s capital. Access to fast internet is a crucial factor that makes a big difference for our travellers. Providing our customers with enhanced connectively services is in line with our vision of becoming the world’s leading airports group. We are proud to have rolled out ‘Super-Fi’ across the entirety of Abu Dhabi International Airport, free for all of our travellers. It is fast and reliable and allows our customers to keep in touch.  Technology is at the heart of our digital transformation strategy, and this improved internet infrastructure will open the door to further smart services and connected solutions.” In October 2018, Abu Dhabi Airports and Cisco signed an agreement that provides AUH with cutting-edge solutions that will support its digital transformation strategy, including operational efficiency, digital capacity and customer experience.

Abu Dhabi Airports takes part at the Bahrain International Air Show being held from November 14 to 16 at the Sakhir Airbase so as to exhibit alongside partners at the UAE national pavilion. Commenting on Abu Dhabi Airports’ participation at the Middle East’s fastest growing airshow, Bryan Thompson, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “Abu Dhabi now serves as a remarkable global example in providing air transport services that meet the highest international standards. Participation in the Bahrain International Air Show comes as part of our commitment to enhancing and bolstering our leading status in the air transport sector. “Our participation alongside key partners allows us to raise awareness about the astonishing developments being realised throughout Abu Dhabi in the aviation sector and related areas. Our participation here over the course of three days serves to highlight the pivotal role that the air transport and aerospace sector play in contributing to the national economy, which has been achievable. Thanks to joint cooperation and support across local authorities.” In 2017, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) was named ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ by the Airport Service Quality Awards for the second consecutive year. AUH has also prioritised sustainability, and last year became the first airport in the region to sign the Airports Sustainability Declaration.

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) welcomed the IndiGo’s inaugural flight to and from India, commencing daily flights that connect the UAE capital with Cochin International Airport (COK) and Calicut International Airport (CCJ). With its fleet of 189 Airbus A320 and 12 ATR aircraft, the airline offers over 1200 daily flights and connects 48 domestic destinations and 11 international destinations. The inaugural IndiGo flights from Cochin and Calicut touched down on October 15 and October 16, respectively. A daily non-stop flight from Cochin will depart at 13:30 and arrive at 16:30. The IndiGo service to Cochin will leave Abu Dhabi at 04:30, and will arrive at 10:30. IndiGo will fly out of Calicut at 00:40 and will arrive into Abu Dhabi at 03:30. The return IndiGo flight departs at 17:30 and arrives in Calicut at 23:30. All time slots incorporated above are according to the local time of respective geographies. Bryan Thompson, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports, commented, “This new addition expands further the network of the capital’s airport to provide our passengers with enhanced connectivity. It also reflects further on the strong global confidence in the Abu Dhabi market, and we hope to continue to build on such partnerships over the coming months and years.” William Boulter, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo, said, “We are delighted to receive a heartening welcome from Abu Dhabi International Airport this morning. IndiGo has operated its inaugural flights from Calicut-Abu Dhabi and Cochin-Abu Dhabi. The airline has completed 12 years of successful operations in the India market as a low-cost carrier, and adding Abu Dhabi to its network will further augment the regional connectivity that we aspire to provide to our customers.”

Abu Dhabi Airports recently celebrated Customer Service Week from October 1 to 5, in recognition of the crucial role played by its customer services agents in ensuring the highest standards of excellence and customer happiness across Abu Dhabi Airports’ facilities and terminals. Marking the occasion with a number of activities and events, every day of the week, a senior member of Abu Dhabi Airports’ leadership team took on the role of a customer service agent at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), serving passengers and airport visitors alongside fellow employees at the Capital’s airport. The participating executives included the company’s CEO, DCEO, and CCO. The week-long celebration is the result of Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to enhancing employee engagement and the National Programme for Happiness and Positivity. In addition to the participation of the senior executive team, all customer service agents across Abu Dhabi Airports’ facilities and terminals received personalised letters of appreciation for their hard work and continued service and dedication to bringing positivity and happiness to travellers across Abu Dhabi. Bryan Thompson, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “At Abu Dhabi Airports we seek to embody the renowned Arabian hospitality, and our focus on customer service this week comes in recognition of the fact that our customer service agents are the face of our business. From the moment travellers arrive, to the moment they depart, our customer service agents work hard to ensure everyone’s needs are met with positivity and happiness.”