Dubai: The Middle East's business jet market is poised for steady growth with orders of more than 200 units expected to be delivered to the region by 2015, according to an estimate released by global research and consulting firm Frost and Sullivan.

The region currently accounts for approximately 6 per cent of the global business jets market, and demand for an additional 400 units expected to surface in the next eight years as the market for luxury aircraft grows.

The Middle East, especially the UAE, has witnessed a growing demand for private charter flights, as the responsibilities of the region's executives prompt urgent and frequent trips abroad.

Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers, John Leahy said: "The privacy, prestige and productivity of corporate jets is well understood in the Middle East, where there is a strong and growing demand for VIP charter flights that AJA is well placed to satisfy.

"And if you can offer a better product, which is what AJA is now able to do with the Airbus A318 Elite, you give your business model the best chance of success," he said.

Despite the economic downturn, a spokesman for the Airbus aircraft manufacturer said, there had been a 5 per cent increase in the demand for customer jets in the Middle East, driven by the continuous increase in airline traffic.

Popular destination

The region continued to dominate the charter market both as a popular destination, and a favoured point of departure to reach destinations around the globe.

As the business jet market grows, the upcoming "Big Boys' Toys" event in Abu Dhabi is expected to attract top aviation customers from around the world during its four-day run at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The Big Boys' Toys event will be from February 2 to 5, 2011.

Artaaj CEO Biju Jayaraaj said: "The region's charter industry has seen significant growth in the recent years to its present value of $500 million [Dh1.84 billion], as the demand for luxury private charter jets and services continue to rise as a result of business strategy revamps, mergers and acquisition among global companies.

Right time

"Big Boys' Toys comes at the right time as the business jets market is picking up in the region and UAE, and exhibitors aim to meet the needs of high net worth customers or owners of private jets who are more focused on ergonomics, ambience and luxury," Jayaraaj said.

The event has been described as offering companies the ideal platform to highlight their latest offerings in services and jet models to high net worth individuals and top business executives. In previous years Big Boys' Toys has attracted leading global companies such as Flugschule Gunar Barthel (Germany), Flying Machines (France), Land and Space Aviation (Saudi Arabia), Nirvana Systems (Czech Republic), Orange Sky (Lithuania), and Skyjam (Switzerland).

Dubai Demand for helicopter services is growing in the region, be it for emergency rescue, sightseeing or security services.

With the expansion of oil and gas exploration in the Gulf, helicopters help provide vital supplies to offshore rigs.

Xavier Hay, Eurocopter's Vice-President, Customers Relations for Middle East and Africa, said: "With the fast-growing population and large urban infrastructures in the Middle East region, helicopter missions such as public security and emergency medical services [EMS] are expected to steadily develop in the coming years. Eurocopter offers the largest fleet of helicopters, designed to perform these missions as well as offshore, tourism, corporate and VIP transportation, and military operations".

Dubai Helishow, the Middle East's largest trade show for the helicopter industry, will be from November 2 to 4. The fourth edition of the Dubai Helishow — the International Civil and Military Helicopter Technology and Operations Exhibition — will cater to the region's growing civil, medical, military, and search-and-rescue sectors. The biennial event is expected to feature the latest offerings from leading helicopter manufacturers, and suppliers of specialised technologies and services from around the world. It will be held at the Dubai Airport Expo Centre.

"The 2010 Dubai Helishow is an excellent opportunity for Eurocopter to showcase its newest helicopter products and services, underscoring its position as one of the leading supplier of helicopters in the Middle East region for more than 30 years with a fleet of 650 aircraft," Hay said.

Mediac Communications and Exhibitions chief executive officer Abdullah Abulhoul, whose company is organising the show, said: "Helicopters are extremely versatile craft and are easily adapted for a variety of roles in both civil and military sectors. The Dubai Helishow 2010 will showcase the latest helicopter products and services, highlight developments and bring the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers to Dubai, thus providing regional decision makers the best of the world at their doorstep."

Joe Garland, Director of International Business Development for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: "The Middle East continues to play an important role in providing these critical capabilities to our international customers."