IAOPA and AOPA join efforts to grow Abu Dhabi's general aviation industry

The two organisations put together a set of initiatives and principles that will enable effective cooperation among them and support their efforts to attract new members. One of the key terms agreed upon was that members of the AOPA in Europe and United States will be entitled to the same privileges as the UAE's AOPA. In addition, a set of functions and events are to be jointly organised in Abu Dhabi within the coming year to exchange knowledge and expertise and further promote general aviation locally and regionally.

The discussions took place during a workshop hosted by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) and AOPA during the Abu Dhabi Air Expo on Thursday 7th March. Representatives from IAOPA, AOPA USA, AOPA United Kingdom, AOPA Germany and AOPA France, alongside their colleagues from the United Arab Emirates, attended the workshop held at the Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies at Al Bateen Executive Airport, to share knowledge and discuss a variety of topics including air space regulations, aerial non-commercial operations, certification and maintenance issues, as well as pilot licensing.

Yousif Hassan Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for Abu Dhabi Air Expo, General Manager of Al Bateen Executive Airport, said, "One of ADAC's priorities for the Abu Dhabi Air Expo is to provide a platform in which members of the general aviation industry can meet to develop ways to capture the growing potential of the industry. ADAC looks forward to working with IAOPA and AOPA UAE as they join forces to attract new members to their organizations, and provide members with best practices aimed at facilitating understanding of the general aviation industry as a whole, and maximizing the potential of their businesses."

Since inauguration of the 70th branch of the IAOPA just one year ago at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Air Expo, AOPA UAE has grown to include more than 100 members and has taken steps towards achieving its goal of uniting pilots, owners and operators based in the Emirates, through providing information and organising regular meetings. AOPA UAE continues to encourage young enthusiasts to become pilots, and this year's meeting aims to continue to encourage the development of solutions to ease access to airspace, airports and international travel.

The International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA) is a non-profit federation of 70 autonomous, non-governmental, national general aviation organizations around the world. IAOPA has represented international general aviation for nearly 50 years and serves a combined total of 470,000 pilot members worldwide who fly general aviation aircraft for business and personal use.

The second annual Abu Dhabi Air Expo took place from 5th March until 7th March 2013, at Al Bateen Executive Airport, Abu Dhabi's dedicated business aviation airport.