More than 80 international and domestic corporate companies will be taking part in the upcoming "Dubai Helicopter Show 2012," the third largest international civil and military helicopter technology and operations exhibition.

In its fifth edition, the show will witness the presence of key helicopter manufacturers, missiles and fire control manufacturers, global aerospace and defense avionics-electronics producers, and civil and military aircraft spare parts suppliers, said the event organisers The Domus Group.

A leading international exhibition specialist, Domus said this year’s show will also host major distributors of advanced information and communications technology systems, commercial and air medical retrieval operators in addition to technical developers of the latest navigation, surveillance, rescue and reconnaissance equipment for airborne, maritime and ground applications.

Leading helicopter manufacturers and suppliers from the US, UK, Russia, UAE and Qatar will be present at the show's new venue - the Grand Stand, Meydan Racecourse of Al Meydan City.

Through their participation, the top exhibitors are going to display the latest helicopter additions, showcase cutting edge technologies and latest product offerings in addition to discussing new developments and services in the industry.

These include Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Russian Helicopters, Hawker Pacific Airservices, Bell Helicopters, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, Boeing, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, PHI Air Medical, ARMA-Global, Aerogulf, Aviahelp, HR Smith group, Enterprise control systems and Gulf helicopters.

The accredited experts from each corporation are expected to evaluate the market, network with prospective customers and senior level organizations, and most importantly, settle high-end business deals in the three-day-event.

Commenting on the expo, Abdulla A. Abulhoul, the director of Dubai Helishow at the Domus Group said: “The increase in the number of exhibitors for 2012 confirms that the show has opened the door for potential customers, governmental, semi-governmental, private and commercial organizations to direct their eyes into a new emerging global aviation hub located in the GCC region of the Middle East."

"We have witnessed a tangible growth in the business deals signed  in 2010, and looking forward to seek further opportunities between exhibitors and VVIP buyers in 2012," he added.

After their tremendous success in settling the 60 BlackHawk utility helicopters business deal worth an estimated $300 million with the UAE Airforce in 2010, Sikorsky has confirmed its attendance at this year’s show with a huge potential of attracting the region’s leading stakeholders again.

Team Seahawk (Sikorsky- manufacturer of helicopters, and Lockheed Martin- Helicopter missiles and fire control manufacturers) along with the US Navy will promote the MH-60R and MH-60S multi-role helicopters.

Operational with the US Navy, both aircrafts are equipped with systems that provide interoperability with allied forces.
 
The MH-60R (Romeo): Designed for anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, the MH-60R helicopter is the US Navy’s most advanced maritime rotorcraft.

Sikorsky and mission systems integrator Lockheed Martin have delivered 150 Romeos of 300 to the US Navy.

MH-60S (Sierra): Designed for troop transport, cargo resupply, combat search and rescue and airborne mine countermeasures, the aircraft is armed with Hellfire missiles and a variety of machine guns. Sikorsky has sold 220 MH-60S aircraft of a 275 aircraft program of record.

Top helicopter manufacturer, Bell Helicopters and their UAE independent representatives Hawker Pacific Airservices, has announced displaying and promoting the innovative twin helicopter “the BELL 429”.

Alan Parsons, the VP (Aircraft sales) Hawker Pacific, ME Region said, “The Bell 429’s exceptional hot and high performance capabilities are particularly suited to the Middle East region’s demanding environment, delivering exceptional speed, range, hover performance, versatility and enhanced safety margins."

"The Bell 429 also offers operators a state-of-the-art single pilot IFR helicopter with the latest advancements in cockpit technology, best in class spacious cabin and excellent maintainability,” he explained.

“We have been an exhibitor at the Dubai Helishow since its inception and once again look forward to exhibiting our latest product lines and services," he added.

According to Domus, this year's show continues to attract the attention of the best in class in the helicopter industry.

The Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, 50 year-old helicopter manufacturer, will be making its debut this year, said the organisers.

In addition to showcasing its hitech “480B Light Turbine Helicopter”, Enstrom senior executives will be in attendance to evaluate the market and meet with potential customers and supporting organizations.
 
"With the expected growth in the Middle Eastern market, this couldn’t have come at a better time. Enstrom is a growing company and to fuel that growth, we are developing new markets through turning our focus to Russia and the Middle East," said Tracy Biegler, the director of sales and marketing at Enstrom.
 
"The decision to attend this year’s event was made, primarily, because we are looking for potential representatives and service centers in the region; Enstrom is committing to this market," he added.-TradeArabia News Service