Abu Dhabi Airports Company has today announced that Thales, a world leader in mission-critical information systems for the Aerospace, Defence and Security markets, has been awarded the contract to fit out Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new air traffic control centre tower (ATCC).

With the construction of the tower already underway and due for completion in 2009, Thales are expected to start integrating the systems and command centre over the coming year.

ADAC Chairman and Managing Director Khalifa Al Mazrouei said: “We look forward to Thales delivering this contract which will help us take a further step in our quest to become a world class gateway airport”.

The Thales systems will integrate the most advanced ATM automation features needed for world leading air traffic control as well as airport ground control systems and aeronautical information systems (AIS) and messages switching (AFTN/AMHS).

“With one of the biggest airport infrastructure developments ever conceived taking place in Abu Dhabi, we are thrilled to be part of this history making enterprise by bringing our technical expertise and know how into installing the new systems for the airport’s new air traffic control centre,” said Richard Deakin, Senior Vice President of Thales Air Systems.

The new 109m, 20-storey tower will be situated in between the existing and the new second runway, which went operational on 12 October 2008, and will take over the role as the nerve centre of the new airport development from the existing tower which stands over Terminal 1.

“As one of the world’s leading aerospace systems integrators Thales brings a wealth of experience that we are certain will be translated into developing one of the world’s most advanced air traffic control centres here in Abu Dhabi,” said Talal Al Jouhi, ADAC’s lead negotiator on the deal.

In addition to the control tower deal, it was announced that Thales, recognising the strategic advantages of Abu Dhabi’s location to its regional business, has also made a commitment to install its Middle East Support Centre to the Abu Dhabi International Airport Business and Logistics Park.

“Thales’ decision to set up its Middle East Support Centre at the airport demonstrates the importance of our facility as a major gateway to the world. We look forward to welcoming and working with them, and introducing other major companies to our world-class facility,” concluded Al Mazrouei.

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