Passenger capacity at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) will rise from 3.2 million to nine million a year following the completion of a $550 million expansion project in 2010.

Under a deal signed during the World Economic Forum, the ADP Consortium will carry out the airport project, which was constructed in 1983.

The consortium consists of Aéroports de Paris Management, the Abu Dhabi Investment Company, Kuwait’s Noor Financial Investment Company, Jordan’s EDGO Investment Holdings, Greece’s J&P-Avax and British-Cypriot Joannou & Paraskevaides.

The design of the new terminal was drawn up by internationally renowned architects Foster Partners, who have also designed airports in Beijing, Hong Kong and the UK.

ADP beat-off rival bids from four other international consortiums by offering the highest concession fee to the government, according to a statement issued by the consortium.

Under the deal, ADP will upgrade the existing airport facility, construct a brand new terminal and take responsibility for the operation and management of the airport for a period of 25 years.