MEBA - All’s Well

A stunning array of aircraft ranging from very light jets to corporate jetliners from top manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer and Gulfstream were on static display at the world’s third largest business aviation show—Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) 2010, which hosted a total of 338 exhibitors from 33 countries

The fourth Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) show proved that the region’s business aviation industry is still going strong, as it saw three eventful days of discussions, agreements of cooperation and signing of deals, as well as commitments on infrastructure investment in the region. Held at the Dubai Airport Expo from December 7 to 9, 2010, the show recorded 6,200 visitors from 77 countries, a 13 per cent increase over the previous show in 2008.

A stunning array of aircraft ranging from the very light jets (VLJs) to corporate jetliners from top manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer and Gulfstream were on static display at the world’s third largest business aviation show, which hosted a total of 338 exhibitors from 33 countries, including business aircraft manufacturers, service providers and suppliers to the industry, in addition to 15 fixed base operations (FBOs).

It was business as usual for top player Bombardier Aerospace which announced the opening of its new regional support office at Dubai International Airport to boost sales and service levels for its fast growing customer base in the Middle East and Africa regions. ExecuJet announced its plans to open an aircraft management and charter operation in Qatar, followed by a fixed-base operation.

Airbus, which delivered a record 16 Airbus Corporate Jetliners (ACJs) this year—about half of which were to the Middle East, announced that Rizon Jet had ordered an ACJ on behalf of a new customer whose name was not revealed. The Abu Dhabi-based AJA showcased the A318 Elite Plus aircraft, the newest corporate jet from Airbus.

One of the prominently visible players was Al Bateen Executive Airport, the only business aviation-dedicated facility in the Middle East region, which unveiled its new master plan model of the airport, conveying the vision of its operator Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).

DWC to open business aviation facility in 2011

Dubai World Central (DWC) is partnering with Al Futtaim Company and Germany’s DC Aviation to establish a facility at the mega-hub that will offer services including business jet charter, aircraft maintenance and aircraft management.

An agreement for the construction of the FBO facility at Dubai World Central—Al Maktoum International Airport was signed on the sidelines of MEBA by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Omar Abdulla Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman, Al Futtaim Group. The facility is expected to launch operation in the third quarter of 2011, and will host and service various aircraft including the Airbus A319 Corporate Jet and Bombardier Global Express.

“Agreements such as the signing of the first FBO for the new Al Maktoum International indicate the level of influence and importance MEBA has now achieved, and in recognition of its status, in just five years, as the third largest business aviation show in the world,” said Alison Weller, Managing Director of F&E Aerospace.