Kingdom's Bexair in MEBA spotlight

Speaking at a press conference in Manama today, Ali Al Naqbi, Chairman of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), said Bahrain is a leading contributor to business aviation in the region, which is expected to double capacity within the next five years.

"Business aviation in the Middle East will be worth around US $800 million by 2012 - double its current level as people increasingly turn to 'aviation-on-demand' for privacy, safety and corporate efficiency," said Al Naqbi.

"Business aviation's share of the Middle East's overall aviation market will grow during the same period from its current 20% to 40%. The sector is currently producing regional growth of around 11% per annum."

Al Naqbi was speaking in advance of this month's Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) conference and exhibition being held at the Airport Expo Dubai over January 31 and February 1.

"Bahrain will have a strong presence at the event at which the Kingdom's Bexair, a founder member of MEBAA, is exhibiting the largest aircraft - a Boeing 767 which has been converted for business use.

"In addition Captain Omar Barayan, a MEBAA Board Member and Vice President Operations of Bexair will be delivering the opening address on the second day of the MEBA conference."

MEBA is being organized by Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), the name behind the Dubai Airshow, in partnership with MEBAA. The event - the only dedicated regional forum for the business aviation sector - has evolved from a one-day conference held alongside the Dubai Airshow in 2005 to a two-day conference and exhibition with a static park for aircraft display.

"Response has been outstanding," said Alison Weller, Aerospace Director, F&E. "To date we have 80 exhibitors from 18 nations, around 30 aircraft are due on display while visitor pre-registrations have been received from 31 countries.

"We anticipate a significant visitor and delegate turnout from Bahrain with its ever-growing business base and proximity to corporate Saudi Arabia, both of which are looking to improve air transportation services.

Meanwhile the MEBA conference programme is due to explore some of the hottest topics facing the industry regionally. Topics will include the emergence of the very light jets which herald a new era in aircraft and engine technology, pilot provisions and civil aviation criteria for business aircraft training in the GCC and Middle East.

"What the growth in regional business aviation holds out is immense opportunities for employment of GCC nationals with the right training and backing," said Weller.

While in Bahrain, MEBAA is hoping to recruit additional members from the Kingdom to its growing membership portfolio - expected to reach the 300 mark by 2012.

"Bexair played a leading role in establishing the association and we are looking to other associated sector providers to follow its example," said Ammar Balkar, the Association's President and CEO.

"The formation of MEBAA is in line with a global trend of major economic centres having associations to serve their respective business aviation communities. Given Bahrain's long-established role as an aviation hub, it is a business imperative that it be well represented with the Association's membership."