James E. Bennett, chief executive officer, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, receives the Platinum Airport status plaque from Dr. Majdi Sabri, regional vice president of IATA for the Middle East and North Africa. ABU DHABI - Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has achieved Platinum Airport status from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for adopting 100 percent bar coded boarding passes (BCBP). ADAC is the first major airport in the Middle East to receive the Platinum Airport status. The aviation industry has set a target of converting to 100 percent BCBP by the end of 2010, and Abu Dhabi International Airport has adopted the system six months ahead of schedule. The 2D bar coded boarding pass at Abu Dhabi International Airport offers an alternative solution to queuing at the check-in desks, as passengers are now able to get their boarding passes online or at the digital kiosks at the airport. This development provides passengers with more flexible and convenient services, enhancing their travel experience at Abu Dhabi International Airport. ADAC continues investing in upgrading all check-in and boarding facilities, a project that was initiated in 2009 with the introduction of the self check-in kiosks and the use of the national ID at E-gate in the collaboration with the UAE Identity Authority. Dr. Majdi Sabri, regional vice president of IATA for the Middle East and North Africa, said: “Congratulations to Abu Dhabi International Airport on implementing 100 percent BCBP. ADAC has shown itself to be a leader in adopting the Simplifying Business program, resulting in a more convenient experience for a growing number of passengers traveling to and from the UAE capital.” James E. Bennett, chief executive officer at ADAC, said: “Abu Dhabi Airports Company is proud to be spearheading the adoption of new technology in airports, as we engineer the best possible passenger experience. With this new technology we are paving the way for airlines to issue boarding passes to passengers' mobile phones, providing further convenience and reducing the implicated environmental impact.”
