Rotor Wing Aircraft operations in the Middle East to get imminent boost as Dubai Helishow 2004 is set to open

Dubai Helishow 2004, being held under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister and supported by the UAE Airforce and Air Defence will cater to the Middle East region's enormous potential for the civil market including transport and utility helicopters, commercial operators, and private ownership. H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and Chairman of Emirates Group will inaugurate the show.

The show which is being organised by MEDIAC, a leading trade fair organiser in the Middle East, will help the international helicopter industry with an opportunity to address the specific requirements for products and services across the Middle East.

Addressing a press conference organised to announce the launch of the show, Abdulla Abulhoul, Managing Director, MEDIAC, said: 'Rotor technologies are in the threshold of an amazing growth here in the Middle East, with its increased application in the civil, military and public service sectors. The projections for spending in the industry from the region are extremely encouraging, paving the way for the best technologies to be promoted in the region. Dubai Helishow offers the ideal platform for the participating exhibitors, both large and small, to tap into the region's defence and civil market opportunities.'

Dubai Helishow 2004 has already attracted some of the biggest names in the industry such as EADS-Eurocopter, Augusta Westland, Mil Helicopters, Sikorsky and Bell Helicopters. The expo will cover diverse technology areas from various sectors like Air Frames, Aircraft brokers, Avionics, Commercial operators in Agriculture and Forestry, Airlines, Electronic News Gathering, Fire fighting, Inspection of Pipelines and Transmission Lines, Offshore Oil Support, Police and Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Tourism, Heliports & helipads, Repair & Overhaul facilities and Trainers & Simulators.

'The event provides one to one access for the exhibitors to high value clientele from the governmental, military and private sectors in the region making the event a highly attractive opportunity for them to showcase their technologies under one roof. Many manufacturers have realised the potential of the event as they have given it their unstinting support,' said Julia Cuthbert, Director Sales, MEDIAC. 'High-level delegations are expected to visit the show from the GCC along with key decision makers from the region and beyond.'

The highlight of the show will be indoor display of a Bell 212 model, courtesy of Emirates - CAE Flight Training. The outdoor static display will feature helicopters from the military and civil sectors.

Supported by the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai; Dubai International Airport and Government of Dubai; the show will see active participation from over 80 leading regional and global helicopter manufacturers from countries such as Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Jordan, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, UAE, UK and the USA.