Mid East's expanding commercial and business aviation fleet boosting interiors demand, says expert

And UK-headquartered Heath Tecna says the region's growing fleet base has prompted it to seriously look at boosting its Middle East presence.

"The launch of new super-aircraft, such as the Airbus A380, means that there is far more scope for innovative and adventurous cabin design, which is our core area of expertise, along with advanced manufacturing techniques," said Cara Mills, Marketing Manager, Heath Tecna.

"The Middle East is now very important and, through our parent company, Premium Aircraft Interiors Group, we hope to significantly increase our regional presence."

Heath Tecna, which specialises in providing interior products and services for the full fit-out and customization of aircraft, has begun its regional expansion by being the first to sign on for the recently-launched Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) B2B exhibition planned for Dubai next June.

International interest in the show was sparked immediately following its May launch but, according to organisers Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E) - the name behind the Dubai Airshow - it has substantially increased following last month's multi-billion Middle East order book placed at the Paris Air Show.

"Middle East operators were the talk of the show with deals nearing US $10 billion being announced," said Alison Weller, Aerospace Director, F&E.

"These included Airbus orders by Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways, Saudi Arabia's National Air Services signing pre-purchase agreements with Dassault for Falcon aircraft and Qatar Airways confirming an order for 80 Airbus A350s.

"This has been a huge boost for a regional industry which is already internationally recognised as the fastest growing in the world and we are now processing a significant number of enquiries from aircraft interiors suppliers wishing to enter the market via AIME."

F&E launched AIME in response to industry demand from a sector which is actively eyeing business emerging from the forecasted growth in the Middle East commercial fleet of another 870 aircraft by 2027 and in its business aviation fleet of an additional 300 aircraft by 2012.

The show is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and Chairman and Chief Executive of the Emirates Group.