Abu Dhabi Air Expo inaugurated

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2013 was inaugurated at Al Bateen Executive Airport under the patronage of Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser and Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council,

Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2013, which runs through March 7 and is organised by Abu Dhabi Aviation Company (ADAC), showcases the latest products and services in the general aviation industry where more than 160 aerospace-related organisations, from across the UAE and from more than 70 countries are taking part.

ADAC said that the number of visitors to the expo is expected to increase this year to more than 12,000 and that the air displays will include the famous Al Fursan Aerobatic team, the Emirates Sky Diving team and aerobatic displays by the famous Captain Zoltan Veres, the recipient of five Guinness world records.

Moreover, Abu Dhabi Air Expo will cover key developments and innovations relating to non-commercial aircraft, jets, helicopters, equipment, manufacturers, services, pilot training schools, accessories, avionics, insurance and financing.

More than 100 aircraft are on display from industry leading aviation manufacturers, including: Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Boeing, Gulfstream, Cessna, Piper Aircraft, Cirrus Aircraft, and, Air Bus, at this year’s Expo.

The countries taking part are Canada, United States, Germany, France, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan, a two times more than those countries which took part in 2012 expo.

The private aviation business in the Middle East is expected to experience growth of 6 per cent this year, Shane O’hare, CEO of Royal Jet, told Gulf News.

“This year the expected growth in private jet business is 6 per cent in the Middle East and North Africa region; however, it will be flat growth in Europe and other parts of the world,” said O’hare.

20% hike in visitors

Last year, the expo brought together 100 local, regional and international companies, and in 2013 160 companies are taking part and it will attract around 10,000 visitors. “This year, we’re expecting a 20 per cent increase in visitors over last year, welcoming around 12,000 people” ADAC said.

Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2013 is held in cooperation with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), UAE Armed Forces, the Department of Transport, Al Futtaim Group, Falcon Aviation Services, Royal Jet, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Mubadala, Rotana Jet, Etihad Airways, Jetex, Breitling, the Tourism and Culture Authority of Abu Dhabi and the General Civil Aviation Authority.

Yousif Hassan Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Organising Committee for Abu Dhabi Air Expo and Deputy General Manager of Al Bateen Executive Airport, said: “ADAC is excited about the potential of the second Abu Dhabi Air Expo. The scale of this year’s event compared to last year’s clearly demonstrates that Abu Dhabi is the place to be when it comes to showcasing the latest and greatest in general aviation technology.”

Al Hammadi added: “ADAC looks forward to helping aviation leaders from around the world grow their businesses through providing this platform to engage in dialogue with potential partners.”

Al Hammadi, who is also chairman of Abu Dhabi Aviation, the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East and which was established 38 years ago, told Gulf News earlier that Abu Dhabi Aviation currently has 54 helicopters and three aircraft with contracts in 13 countries.

“In the UAE, the company has contracts with the Abu Dhabi police, the military and Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (Adma-Opco),” said Al Hammadi.

He pointed out that ADAC is also ready to provide aviation enthusiasts from the region with an opportunity to enjoy the best products that the industry has to offer.

Al Bateen Airport

The airport was opened in the 1960s and in 2008, airport manager of Abu Dhabi Airports converted it into a facility for business jet operators.

Since 2008, the Airport has witnessed year-on-year growth of 10 to 20 per cent in civil traffic.

Residents and visitors of Abu Dhabi will also be entertained by the various air show displays planned to take place daily between 14:00-16:00.