International Partnerships At Meba 2008 Drive Business Aviation Growth

Middle East providing fertile investment opportunities for Europe and US

The global economy may be experiencing a downturn, but trends exhibited at this week's Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) show - the largest executive travel event in the Middle East - indicate the international aerospace community's confidence in the region.
And as a testament to the market strength, MEBA 2008, which is expected to attract more than 5,000 visitors before its conclusion today (Tuesday), boasts an aircraft display line worth $1.6bn representing 72 planes, one of the largest business aviation aircraft representations found anywhere - and, to date, announcements of deals in excess of £1.4bn.
Expansion through deals and partnerships was the key feature on day two of the three-day event, as investors and manufacturers from Europe and the Americas looked to the Middle East for increased business avenues, while local companies sought new revenue streams to consolidate their market presence.
German operator, DC Aviation, started proceedings on Monday when it signed a deal with the UAE's Al-Futtaim Group to establish the newest executive business jet company in the region. That joint-venture is expected to start operations in 2009.
Meanwhile, Italy's Piaggio Aero signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies to establish its first Middle East authorised maintenance centre. Operational at the end of this year, the facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport is expected to help drive Piaggio Aero's growth plans for the region.
"All the evidence at the MEBA 2008 show our biggest to date clearly indicates that the private aviation industry is thriving here in the Middle East," said Alison Weller, Director, F&E Aerospace - the company that organises the show on behalf of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA).
"In times of financial stress it is reassuring that everyone - from the executive charter industry's biggest and most established names, to the smaller, newer companies - feel confident that they can continue to do business in the region, pursue ambitious expansion plans and even establish new firms.
"We believe that this event, and the critical business platform it affords those wishing to conduct business in the Middle East, will help ensure that the sector, both regionally and internationally, continues to fly ahead."
More aircraft orders were also made on day two of show, which runs at Dubai Airport Expo, signalling the positive trend patterns predicted for the sector.
Jordanian operator RayaJet announced its purchase of a Bombardier Challenger 300 and Challenger 605, while at the same time revealing a tie-up with flight training company Ayla Aviation Academy and the activation of it SAMA fleet-handling company.
America-based Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, illustrating its claim of sustained growth in the Middle East, inked a deal with Saudi Arabian Airlines' Saudia Private Aviation arm for six Hawker 400XP light business jets on the MEBA 2008 exhibition floor.
Al Jaber Group's $1.2bn foray into the charter jet market with new brand, Al Jaber Aviation (AJA), dominated day one, however a number of international tie-ups characterised the penultimate day as companies from Europe and the US sought to invest in their long-term Middle Eastern future.
Swiss firm VistaJet announced plans to expand its Flight Solutions further into the region with a full roll-out including jet membership, partnership and ownership programmes. VistaJet's commitment to the region is underlined with the recent appointment of a sales representative in Dubai, UAE.
Also, the US' Avjet confirmed a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi-based Executive Aircraft Sales, to provide collaborative efforts in transacting aircraft sales and acquisitions across the globe.
And not to be outdone, Abu Dhabi's Prestige Jet, which has only been in operation for two years, bucked the trend and launched a raft of expansion plans styled as a gateway to the European market, following the acquisition of Madrid-based aircraft management charter service, Flylink Express.
Furthermore, under the banner of Prestige Holding, the company announced five subsidiary companies covering charter, flight support, flight ambulance, and brokerage and investment. In addition, Prestige Holding also confirmed the development of three Fixed Base Operations (FBO) in Qatar, Jordan and Bahrain.
Meanwhile Dubai Airports used MEBA 2008 to launch its new Executive Flights Centre (EFC), a premier VIP terminal and travel facility at Dubai International Airport as well as a new brand identity.
According to event organisers, F&E Aerospace, the event has shown increases of more than 150 per cent in pre-show exhibitor and visitor registrations, with MEBA 2008's 250 exhibitors from Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East tripling its size since the last show in 2007.
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.