MEBAA anticipating boom event for business aviation show

New exhibitors are signing up to attend the region's biggest business aviation event, while returning exhibitors are increasing their investment levels in what promises to be the most crucial opportunity for senior industry players to do business within the region. 

The Middle East and Asian markets are seeing the most growth in business aviation, and MEBA's footprint – currently 75,000 square metres of dedicated space - stands as testament to that. 

MEBA is organised by F&E Aerospace on behalf of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA). Ali Al Naqbi, Founding Chairman of MEBAA, says: “We are confident this year's MEBA event will be an even bigger show than the 2012 edition. All the indicators reveal an upswing not only in confidence in the global economy, but also in business aviation, and we envisage more companies committing to attending MEBA than ever before.” 

This edition already has the support of leading global exhibitors including sponsor Jetex, UAE; Tag Aeronautics, Canada; Boeing, USA; Execujet ME, UAE; Skyplan; Avjet; World Fuel Services; Alpha Star, UAE; Saudia, Saudi Arabia; Lufthansa, Germany; Boutsen, Monaco; and Cedar Jet Center - MEAG, Lebanon. 

 In a recent MEBAA/Honeywell Business Aviation survey Al Naqbi highlighted that while the sector is growing in the Middle East, the business fleet is ageing, and owners are keen to replace aircraft with modern aircraft featuring the latest technology, with larger cabins and longer ranges. 

There are currently around 530 registered aircraft in the MENA region, a figure expected to rise to 1200 by 2020. The number of movements in the region is anticipated to reach 175,000 by 2020, up from 105,000 in 2012. 

Al Naqbi is spearheading a regional market set to be worth US$1 billion by 2020; from half a billion dollars today. 

“We must be ready for this growth. MEBA represents the chance for the industry to get together and discuss key issues such as the shortage of pilots; regulation issues and the need for all sectors of aviation to work closer together, to name a few. And of course MEBA offers global players the chance to see DWC first-hand - DWC is the perfect venue, at the heart of the regional business aviation sector, and the regional aviation hub. 

“We face exciting times across the region, and MEBA is well-timed for global players to capitalise on this extraordinary market,” added Al Naqbi.