Global leaders from across the aerospace, aviation and space sectors will converge in Abu Dhabi this April to attend the 'Global Aerospace Summit 2012' being hosted by Mubadala Aerospace.

The event will be held from April 16 to 19 under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces

An exclusive forum will promote cross industry thought leadership and discuss future growth strategies, said the organisers.

The summit is also significant as the results of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification, aided by multibillion dollar investments in aerospace manufacturing, airline expansion and airport development, become visible to the industry at large.

Such results include Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) recent passenger milestone of one million passengers handled in November, a 16 per cent year on year increase.

In addition to these are Etihad’s recent $2.8 billion order for 12 Boeing jets and Yahsat’s first satellite, Y1A’s successful launch from Kourou, French Guiana in April 2011; Yahsat is also preparing to launch its second satellite, Y1B, from Kazakhstan later this year and Strata’s, Mubadala Aerospace’s manufacturing unit, recent contract award to provide wing components (flap track fairings) on the new Airbus A350.

Homaid Al Shemmari, executive director, Mubadala Aerospace, said: 'We look forward to welcoming global leaders from across the spectrum, from airlines to original equipment manufacturers, and airport operators to space travel businesses to Abu Dhabi, to engage in high level strategy discussions that will have a real impact on the future direction of their respective sectors.'

'We also look forward to demonstrating how the Summit will have an impact on UAE citizens, through the Summit’s careers focused sessions,' he added.

Etihad Airways president and CEO James Hogan said, 'Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a major centre of aviation technology and progress has been rapid. Today, Abu Dhabi is home to some of the leading names in all areas of the aerospace industry.'

'As the emirate’s status as an international aviation hub grows, there is no reason this trend will not continue over the coming years. At Etihad, we welcome all efforts to promote industry co-operation and dialogue and we very much look forward to welcoming delegates to Abu Dhabi for the summit,” he added.
 
Adac chairman Khalifa Al Mazrouei said the government’s recognition of the summit underlines the importance of this event as a forum to drive the industry forward and showcase the growth of Abu Dhabi as a diverse aerospace and aviation hub, especially with the launch of Nibras, the aviation complex in Al Ain, which is due to be built soon.'

Jasem Al Zaabi, CEO of Yahsat, said, 'As one of the pioneers of the UAE’s satellite communications industry, helping to diversify the economy and create the jobs of tomorrow, Yahsat is delighted to be associated with Abu Dhabi’s inaugural summit.'

The key participants include James Albaugh,CEO, Boeing Commercial Airlines; Marwan Lahoud, chief strategy and marketing officer, EADS; Francois Auque, CEO of EADS Astrium; Mary Ellen Jones, president of Engine Alliance; August Wilhelm Henningsen, chairman of Lufthansa Technik; Miles Cowdry, the director of Global Corporate Development, Rolls-Royce; Reynald Seznec, president & CEO of Thales Alenia Space; George T. Whitesides, president & CEO, Virgin Galactic.-TradeArabia News Service