The new terminal will have a built-up area of about 50,000 square metres and will be connected to the existing main terminal structure. It will also include six-nine contact gates, passenger and baggage handling areas and office and maintenance areas. The scope of works also entails the supply and installation of passenger loading bridges and fixed bridge sections, all mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works and all civil infrastructure works.

The tender is the latest to be issued by Scadia for the estimated $6,800 million first-phase redevelopment of Abu Dhabi airport. It has already shortlisted companies for the midfield terminal complex, the air traffic control tower and the airfield lighting and runway control system packages.

The local Saif bin Darwish is working on the rough grading package for the new runway at the airport, while the tender for the main 4.1-kilometre runway will be issued in October. The UK's Halcrowis the consultant on the runway.

The runway and terminal have been fast-tracked to ensure completion by spring 2007, when Etihad will take delivery of its first AirbusA380s. Etihad is aiming to own 70-80 planes and carry about 8 million passengers within five years.

The first-phase expansion, to be completed by 2010, is designed to handle 20 million passengers a year. The US' Parsons Internationalis the programme manager for the entire redevelopment.