MEBA2012: Landmark decision boosts DWC

Dubai World Central is to become the new business aviation hub for Dubai as early as next year.
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Rashed Bu Qara’a, the chief operating officer of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC) revealed the decision at a Dubai Airports briefing ahead of MEBA last week.

Rumours that business aviation – like cargo movements – would be encouraged to move away from Dubai International airport in Deira to DWC have been rife within the aviation community for some time.

Neighbouring Sharjah International Airport – just 15 minutes from Dubai International – has worked with the UK’s Gama Aviation to develop FBO services for private aviation that they believe will choose to fly to Sharjah rather than DWC as it is closer to Dubai’s business centre.
 
But, speaking at the pre-MEBA event, Bu Qara’a was adamant the move was going ahead.
 
“This is part of the long-term migration strategy of shifting general aviation from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport,” he said. “During this initial phase we will utilise the VIP terminal within the passenger terminal. Shortly thereafter, we expect the first business aviation operations to commence out of DWC’s Aviation District in mid 2013.”
 
Dubai Airports – operators of DWC – are understood to have talked to the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) to make sure the services will work.
 
Founding chairman of MEBAA, Ali Al Naqbi, described DWC as “a landmark venue”.
 
He said: “In the future, this airport will grow into an important gateway for business aviation and it has been a privilege to involve ourselves with its development so early in the process.”
 
Khalifa Al Zaffin, the executive chairman, of DACC, added: “The aviation sector is an important contributor to Dubai’s economy. The business aviation and general aviation segment is an area where we see tremendous opportunities for growth and this is one of the reasons we are extremely proud to support MEBA and MEBAA by hosting the fifth edition at DWC.
 
“It is the perfect alignment of the Government of Dubai’s vision to develop DWC to meet the on-ground capacity and business needs of the wider aviation industry and MEBAA’s goals to help support the growth of the general aviation segment within the region. The event also provides us a valuable opportunity to showcase DWC’s world-class infrastructure and facilities that are on the ground and ready for business.
 
“DWC's Aviation District is the perfect platform for business aviation and demonstrates the Dubai Government's long term commitment to the industry. DWC merges both soft and hard infrastructure with the necessary conditions to help the industry grow and flourish, as well as create new opportunities for all players.”

 

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