Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2014, the fastest growing general aviation exhibition in the region, opened yesterday (February 25) at Al Bateen Executive Airport, the UAE capital’s dedicated business aviation airport.

The show, which concludes on February 27, was inaugurated by Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and a member of the Executive Council.

Sheikh Sultan toured the exhibition and visited a number of aircraft exhibiting companies, to view the latest trends and innovations in the general aviation industry.

The opening ceremony was also attended by the honorary attendees from Royal families and government dignitaries together with a number of senior dignitaries from the GCC.

Running alongside the show is a unique art exhibition by artist Shaikha Al Yazia Bint Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan that features Paper Planes installation from her Spontaneity Series art collection. The art exhibition is showcased at the Gulf Center for Aviation Studies (GCAS) located within Al Bateen Executive Airport premises.

Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a regional leader in the aviation industry and we are very pleased to once again host a first-class general aviation exhibition in the capital. Abu Dhabi Air Expo serves as a dynamic marketplace and networking platform for aircraft enthusiasts and businesses searching for the best aircraft and general aviation-related services.”

“The show helps to significantly boost the footprint of general aviation industry in Abu Dhabi, which forms part of an ongoing effort to support the development of new business sectors and diversify the Emirates’ economy,” Al Mansoori added.

Al Bateen Executive Airport welcomed nearly 5,138 aircraft in 2013 and recorded approximately 1,295 visiting aircraft using the airport last year.

“The private aviation market is witnessing tremendous growth in Abu Dhabi and the wider region, and the numbers speak for themselves. The companies participating at the show stand to gain a unique vantage point to reach out to vibrant markets across the GCC region, including the Middle East, North Africa and South and East Asia region,” Al Mansoori added.

The show has attracted more international and local exhibitors’ participation than ever before with over 170 companies showcasing latest innovations and development in the aviation sector, relating to non-commercial aircrafts, jets, helicopters, equipment, manufacturers, services, pilot training schools, accessories, avionics, insurance and financing.

Key exhibitors include: Dassault Aviation, Airbus Corporate Jets, Embraer Executive Jets, Bombardier, Gulfstream, Bell Helicopter, Boeing Business Jet and Daher Socata.

In partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports, and in response to the robust market interest for aviation services, a new area has been dedicated to airport suppliers.

In all, more than 17,000 visitors are expected to cruise the aisles looking at more than 80,000 sq. metres of the latest in general aviation tech - an over 30 per cent increase in exhibition space compared to last year. – TradeArabia News Service