Abu Dhabi Airport unveils new initiative for transfer passengers
The aim of the new Fast Track Flight Connections at Abu Dhabi International Airport is to increase the speed of transferring through the airport by 27 per cent, reduce missed connections, and enable a seamless passenger experience
Abu Dhabi International Airport has launched a new initiative for international transfer passengers, facilitating shorter connection times by increasing the speed of transiting through the airport by 27%, delivering an enhanced and seamless passenger experience.
The Fast Track Flight Connections initiative enables transfer passengers travelling aboard flights originating from partner airports in Europe, the United States, and Canada to take advantage of the new, streamlined security screening processes within Abu Dhabi International Airport. Under the new procedure, the flow of passengers and their baggage to their onward destination will be expedited.
This initiative was developed and implemented in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the General Administration of Customs, Abu Dhabi Airports, Etihad Airways, and international airport partners.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The development and implementation of the new Fast Track Flight Connections initiative at Abu Dhabi International Airport comes as a part of our wider efforts to support the growth of air travel and transport in the post-pandemic era. By facilitating faster and more efficient transfers, the new procedure also further positions Abu Dhabi as a global hub, bridging the East and West.”
Shareef Al Hashmi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The new Fast Track Flight Connections initiative will enable select transfer passengers to benefit from faster connections, which will reduce the overall length of their trips, help them avoid missing connecting flights, and provide them with additional time to enjoy all the amenities we have on offer at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
“This significant enhancement to the travel experience of our transfer passengers, and our extensive precautionary measures across Abu Dhabi International Airport, are a reflection of our commitment to puting our customers first and ensuring their health, safety and comfort throughout their journey through the UAE’S capital,” added Al Hashmi.
The initiative will be rolled out in two phases, with the first commencing with Etihad Airways flights originating from select destinations in Europe and North America, significantly benefiting airlines operating out of the Western Hemisphere. The second phase is proposed to begin in 2021 and involve a wider range of airlines, additional points of origin, and include new procedures for transfer cargo alongside passengers.
With the annual rise in demand for air travel, airports globally have identified the need to improve the efficiency of processes handling passengers and baggage from airport to airport. Abu Dhabi Airports’ new procedure, and other similar measures adopted globally, are the result of ongoing discussions and cooperation between airports around the world.
SUMMER AT SHARJAH AIRPORT: Sharjah Airport concluded the ‘Summer at Sharjah Airport’ campaign, which was launched on July 12, 2020, and continued till mid-september, to maintain the health and safety of workers and spare them the sun at noon.
This campaign, carried out by Sharjah Airport, comes with the adoption of the highest level of precautionary measures in light of the current exceptional circumstances. The emphasis remained on taking all necessary measures to protect workers from direct sunlight, in addition to distributing snacks, cold water containers, and hats, and coton shirts to protect from sunlight and high temperatures.
Engineer Lamia Obaid Al Shamsi, Director of Support Services at Sharjah Airport, said, “The summer campaign at Sharjah Airport, which lasted for two months, is in line with the Airport’s strategy aimed at providing a safe work environment for workers on all sites, especially in open locations where workers are exposed to heat stress.”
Al Shamsi added, “This campaign succeeded in protecting and engaging the workers, which has positively impacted on them, and we undoubtedly appreciate all their efforts that contribute towards building this country.”
Workers and employees expressed their happiness with this campaign, which helped protect them from the dangers of hot sun rays in summer and allowed them to continue working with high standards of efficiency. While at the same time, the measures provided appropriate preventive means to maintain their safety, and constitute an additional incentive for them to serve customers and travellers at Sharjah Airport.
Sharjah Airport is keen to launch an annual summer campaign in support of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s decision concerning the noon work ban, and an affirmation of Sharjah Airport’s keenness to raise awareness of the importance of prevention and protection from the dangers and complications resulting from the intense heat.
It is noteworthy that Sharjah Airport is keen to apply occupational health and safety laws and standards in all locations in line with international best practices and to work to provide a suitable and sustainable work environment for all service providers. Sharjah Airport always strives to add to its facilities as part of preparation for a new phase of growth and expansion, while atracting more airlines and travellers.