The Middle East’s business aviation sector is set to double over the next six years with the new Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) preparing to spearhead the expansion.

Speaking at a press conference at the National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) convention in Orlando, Florida, MEBAA’s Founding Chairman, Ali Al Naqbi said the Middle East business aircraft fleet generates revenues in excess of US $500 million annually across various industry segments such as aircraft charter, maintenance, FBO and refurbishment. Al Naqbi added that the figure would reach billions of dollars if the value of new aircraft deliveries and aircraft completions was taken into account.

And Al Naqbi says the six Gulf Co-operation Council States (GCC) – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar – account for an 80% lion’s share of total Middle East business aviation activity.

“In the Middle East, business aviation activities are growing at approximately 15-20% a year,” said Al Naqbi.

Despite the growth Al Naqbi said that the value of business aviation is not well understood in the region.

“With the creation of a dedicated association to serve this important segment, we are looking to increase the region’s awareness of the industry and drive forward best-of-breed practices,” said Al Naqbi.

MEBAA, which counts operators BexAir, National Air Services and Abu Dhabi-headquartered Royal Jet as well as major manufacturers Gulfstream, Boeing Business Jets and Airbus Corporate Jets among its founding members, hope to have a membership count of 30 by the end of this year.

“Business aviation within the Middle East is growing at a significant rate because this form of transportation is being recognised as a tool for economic expansion throughout the region. Now is the right time to bring together business aviation users and suppliers operating in the Middle East so that the community’s capabilities and needs can be expressed effectively to regulatory bodies, to media and to business leaders,” said Jack Olcott, MEBAA Advisor.

Meanwhile, MEBAA has signed an exclusive, long-term partnership agreement with Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), which organises the Dubai Airshow, for the annual staging of the Middle East Business Aviation conference and exhibition.

To be held at the Airport Expo Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from January 31-February 1 next year, MEBA is an event for companies to promote their business aviation products and services, display aircraft, conduct demonstration flights and network by providing corporate hospitality in on-site chalets.

The exhibition is set to feature more than 30 executive jets with static display confirmations from some of the world’s leading executive jet manufacturers including, Canada’s Bombardier, the USA’s Gulfstream and Cessna, Brazil’s Embraer and Italy’s Piaggio.

Ali Al Naqbi says the event is totally aligned to MEBAA’s own goals.

“Business aircraft are no longer viewed as a status symbol but are now very much an important business tool and the market is growing. However, with this growth comes the need for an increased focus on safety, security and efficiency throughout the region and the Association will be looking to lobby for these.

“The MEBA conference will be a crucial forum in identifying the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities existing in this lucrative sector throughout the Middle East and initiating the means of addressing them.”

MEBA 2007 already has sponsorship from Jetex Flight Support and Royal Jet - both MEBAA founder members.

Meanwhile, development of an agenda-setting programme for the MEBA 2007 conference and negotiations to secure some of the industry’s leading experts as speakers are now well advanced.

Two key audiences – aircraft buyers and industry operators – have been identified for the conference. The programme will cover the entire gambit of the industry. On Day One, issues to be covered include the elements making up the segment’s global success, the use of business aircraft in Medevac or cargo operations, how modern business helicopters best meet business aviation needs, particularly in the Gulf, and alternatives to outright purchase, financing and insurance needs.

Day Two’s agenda will be operator-focussed and will outline MEBAA’s regional role and the need for consistent regulation, international business aviation issues including charges and flight planning, financial implications, crew development and personalised interiors.

The conference will end with an open forum which will feature in-depth discussion and calls for industry amendments going forward.

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For further information: Barbara Saunders, MCS/Action, PO Box 20970, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Tel: +9714 390 2960; fax: +9714 390 8161; email: barbara.s@actionprgroup.com
Or visit MEBAA online at: www.mebaa.com
Or visit MEBA online at: www.meba.aero