Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali, Dubai New Airport Operational Readiness Programme

Dubai Department of Civil Aviation

Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

LEAPP was appointed by the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation to manage the entire Operational Readiness Programme for the new Al Maktoum International Airport under construction near Jebel Ali, Dubai. The programme focused on preparing the airport and its subsystems for certification by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE, and the airport for operational readiness for operation by staff of Dubai Airports.

The project involved preparation of all certification documentation, such as the Aerodrome Manual, Safety Management System, Emergency Plan, Wildlife Plan, and management of the process of approval for operations by the GCAA. LEAPP undertook tracking of the progress towards completion of all airport elements necessary for operations, and the training of staff to take over operations upon opening.

LEAPP organised and managed a comprehensive operational trials programme to validate the airport design in the context of operations to provide the Dubai DCA with the confidence that the airport was in fact ready for operations. The trials were also used as a reinforcement tool for the training programme for the airport and to enable a follow up on remedial actions for staff and stakeholders to ensure readiness for operations.

The initial focus of the programme dealt with achieving certification from the GCAA and operational status for the runway, taxiways and aprons and all airside facilities, including the Air Traffic Control Service, Fire Service and Aircraft Refuelling Service. A second phase of the programme is addressing the readiness for operations of the Passenger Terminal Building and all of its subsystems including communications and IT systems.

In addition to this, a comprehensive trials program was lead by LEAPP to validate the airport design and processes.