Mid-East business aviation market to rise to $1bn by 2012, says industry chief

Ali Al Naqbi, founding chairman of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) - the organisation behind the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) show, which takes place this November - said that massive growth rates of 15-20% per annum were predicted for the regional business jets market and that its overall worth should top $1bn by 2012.

And Al Naqbi, who is currently on a regional road show to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, also remained upbeat that the regional business aviation market, which currently boasts a fleet of around 300 aircraft comprised mainly of high-end category jets, would prove durable to the global financial downturn.

"Despite uncertain global economic conditions, the Middle East's resilient business aviation sector continues to fly ahead. New operators are setting up facilities, established players are consolidating their market positions and buyers are actively seeking out private transportation to meet growing demands for fast turn around and convenient international travel solutions," he said.

"Many of the GCC countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have blazed a trail for private charter aviation in the Middle East and with significant investment in infrastructure to accommodate growth we are seeing more and more companies increasing their presence here to capitalise on this potential."

According to Al Naqbi, business aviation is set to account for 40 per cent of the Middle East's overall aerospace market within four years. However, he is adamant that even more needs to be done to contribute to regional expansion and encouraged more local companies to join MEBAA - the regional association established to represent the sector in the local and international aviation arenas - and attend MEBA 2008 at Dubai Airport Expo, November 16-18th.

"By the time the show kicks off we will have more than 250 exhibitors, making this year's edition triple the size of 2007," he said, adding that the event is organised and run by renowned international exhibitions company, F&E Aerospace. "We think these figures are a good indication of the event's importance to the regional industry and they serve as a clear barometer as to where the sector is heading.

"We have been pleased with how the membership of MEBAA has progressed this year. We now have around 150 members from a start-up number of just 16 and we are aiming for 300 in four years' time,"

he said.

Al Naqbi also added that many recent MEBAA members are companies from North America and Europe, looking towards the Middle East to escape the uncertain financial climate in the West. In addition, he added that the regional business aviation market was benefiting from astute companies using private charters as a cost-effective and convenient alternative to pricey commercial flights.

"Fuel prices are increasing and as a result commercial air ticket costs are spiralling. What we are seeing is that companies are doing the math and realising that an entry-level jet can be chartered at a convenient time, fly more executives in the same luxury as first class, but on a more cost-effective budget," he said.
F&E Aerospace also announced that MEBA's 2008 outing will see growth across the board, with exhibitor numbers, countries represented, visitor attendance and aircraft on display all significantly up.

"The evolution of this show has been in parallel with that of the Middle East business aviation market. The need for a regional high-level, interactive sales and discussion platform is a key driver for the development of the industry and will greatly benefit the show's standing on the world-wide stage. It really is the must-attend for anyone wanting to get ahead in this dynamic sector,"

said Alison Weller, Director, F&E Aerospace, who also attended the road show.

And with more than 5,000 visitors expected to attend the three day event - an increase of more than 50% over 2007- buyers and industry leaders will have a unique opportunity to meet and conduct business in an interactive one-stop setting.

In addition, visitors and exhibitors will be able to see up to 60 aircraft on the dedicated static park, covering a wide-range of models from the world's most respected manufacturers, such as Dassault, Gulfstream, Embraer, Boeing, Cessna, Bombardier, Hawker Beechcraft and Airbus to name a few.

MEBA is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and Chairman of Emirates Group.

MEBAA officials travelled in style during GCC road show in a luxury Gulfstream G200, which was laid on by Gulfstream - a major sponsor of the event. With more than 200,000 flight hours accumulated, the G200 fleet has an established track record in terms of performance and reliability. More than 150 have been delivered with a dispatch reliability which has now reached 99.75%. The Gulfstream G200 was the first of the new generation of super mid-size business-jet aircraft to enter service. It can seat up to ten passengers, fly 3,400 nautical miles nonstop and is capable of reaching speeds of up to .85 Mach.