MEBAA sets stage for industry debate on business aviation

Organised by the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) on the eve of MEBA 2012, the conference has gathered twenty of the most prominent leaders in business aviation to discuss regulatory issues, safety standards, illegal charter and developments affecting FBOs and OEMs.

The conference will be opened on 10th December 2012 at The Address Dubai Marina Hotel in Dubai by MEBAA chairman, Mr Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi.

The conference, sponsored by SPA (Saudi Private Aviation), has been designed as an interactive and open forum, chaired by Alan Peaford, where delegates will be encouraged to debate and discuss the pertinent topics being presented by the panellists in order for MEBAA to record and address the most pressing challenges facing the industry as it moves into 2013.

Opening proceedings at this year's MEBAC will be Mr Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Executive who will deliver a keynote presentation on how business and commercial aviation can work together and independently to achieve optimal performance. Following him will be Mr Homaid Al Shemmari, Executive Director, Mubadala Aerospace who will be delivering his keynote presentation on the integration of business aviation within the development of Abu Dhabi. Representing GCAA will be Mr Aws Al Khanjari, Executive Director, Aviation Security Affairs who will be part of a panel discussion on regulation in the industry.

Also, an exclusive for MEBAC 2012, Rob Wilson, President of Business & General Aviation at Honeywell Aerospace will present Honeywell's renowned Business Aviation Outlook for 2013.

Giving MEBAC a snapshot, Wilson says, "As the Middle East continues to adapt to a new economic reality, the business aviation outlook is still within a strong up-cycle according to Honeywell's annual Business Aviation Outlook. Honeywell has forecasted the delivery of approximately 10,000 new business aircrafts through to 2022, generating industry sales of $250bn (Dhs918bn)."

The remainder of the conference will take the form of panel discussions where CEO's and Directors representing the region's most important companies in the industry will debate upon topics affecting the industry such as the grey market, pilot shortages, regulatory frameworks and international charter. These companies include Boeing, Gulfstream, Dassault Aviation, Gates and Partners, Chartis, Al Jaber Aviation, London Executive Aviation, Jetex, Embraer Executive Jets and GAMA Aviation.

Speaking about MEBAC, Mr. Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi, Founding Chairman of MEBAA, said, "As we draw closer to the end of the year, the 2nd Edition of our MEBAC Conference, as a precursor to MEBA 2012, is the perfect conclusion of a fantastic year for our industry. MEBAC will gather the heads of operators, brokers, distributors, FBOs, governments, MRO providers and manufacturers for a unique opportunity to network and collectively discuss and set common goals. Through case studies, workshops and audience discussions, MEBAC will deliver a platform, twice annually moving into 2013, to share our concerns and promote business aviation within the economic and political agenda of the Middle East and North Africa."

"Through conferences like MEBAC and the MEBA 2012 show, MEBAA ensures that it continues to act as the principle forum for gathering, understanding and communicating the needs of the business aviation community within the Middle East and North Africa to businesses, government and the worldwide media," he added.