The ninth international aerospace exhibition – will be the first Dubai air show to host a dedicated conference devoted to the Middle East’s surging business jet market.
Mid East Business Jet Conference will be held on November 19th this year, the day prior to the opening of Dubai 2005, which is set to be the largest Dubai air show in the event’s history.
“This is a timely conference which will probe the growing needs of this important aviation sector in what is seen by the industry as one of the world’s most sophisticated markets,” said Clive Richardson, Chief Executive, Aerospace Division, Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), the Dubai air show organiser which is also behind the conference.
“Delegates will hear not only from manufacturers but from users and operators bringing all sides of this important business equation together.”
Middle East Business Jet Conference comes as industry players say they view the region with optimism and enthusiasm.
“There are numerous factors driving the business jet and private charter market within the Middle East,” said Alison Weller, Project Manager, Dubai air show.
“These include increasing ownership of private aircraft both from an institutional and individual perspective, demand for a variety of business options, including full and fractional ownership as well as chartering to deliver flexibility, privacy and comfort.”
Also driving business jet and charter growth is the number of huge international events now being staged in the Middle East with charter operators declaring strong demand for regional and international flights during the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix and the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Business jet suppliers and international air charter operators feature strongly in the Dubai 2005 exhibitors line up, which, to date, features companies from 39 countries.
“All the big names are there – from Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, Gulfstream, Raytheon, Embraer, Dassault and Pilatus as well as international and regional charterers such as National Air Service of Saudi Arabia, Jet Aviation and Bexair of Bahrain, Royal Jet and International Air Charter,” said Richardson.
“We anticipate a strong business jet line up during this year’s aircraft static display while Royal Jet, the Abu-Dhabi-based luxury aircraft charter operator and medevac operator has already said it will announce fleet expansion plans during the show.”
Dubai 2005 will be held at an expanded Airport Expo Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from November 20-24. The show site will, for the first time, feature a third exhibition hall and additional chalets to meet demand.
Dubai 2005 is organised by F&E in conjunction with the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and in co-operation with the UAE Armed Forces.
