Abu Dhabi airport VIP terminal eyes 30,000 passengers in first year

Over 30,000 people are expected to use Abu Dhabi International Airport's newly launched VIP Terminal in its first year of operation, according to Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operations officer at Abu Dhabi Airports.
At a media tour of the terminal on Tuesday, Al Haddabi said that the 924-square metre facility can accommodate a total of 70,000 passengers annually.
The airport has also signed an agreement with Duty Free Shoppers (DFS), which has outlets at the airport's other terminals, for a personal shopper experience. This will allow passengers to browse through an iPad or booklet for products, and have a personal shopper purchase them within 30 minutes.
"[The VIP Terminal] will allow passengers to reach the aircraft in a maximum of five minutes, with a process time of two to three minutes. To use it, passengers can book by phone to email, and online booking will also be ready,” Al Haddabi said.
While there are currently no food and beverage outlets, airport officials said they are still considering cooperation with potentials outlets but did not disclose any names.
Mohammad Al Bulooki, chief commercial officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said the company might also consider expanding the terminal in 2015 if they find a need to do so.
All passengers, regardless of their ticket class or destination or airline, will be able to use the terminal by paying a fee of Dh2,000 for one or two people. However, the target demographic is high net-worth individuals seeking luxury and privacy such as celebrities, government officials and members of royal families.
The terminal has dedicated facilities including its own drop-off area. It also offers immigration, police and baggage handling facilities.
The terminal is set to boost the airport's capacity, encouraging more passengers to use the airport. It will be operated by National Aviation Services, an aviation services provider, which currently provides Golden Class services in Terminals one and three.