Middle East Business Aviation (Meba) got off to a flying start today (December 8) with leading global business and private aviation representatives arriving at the Dubai World Central exhibition site.

Officially inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, this year's bi-annual Meba sees more than 420 exhibitors from across the globe, and more than 8,000 visitors expected to cross the show threshold during the events three-day run.

Sheikh Ahmed and Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi, founding chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (Mebaa) toured the show and spoke with officials from a number of static exhibitors

Al Naqbi said: “We face exciting times in the business and private aviation sector, with growth anticipated to around 1,300 business aircraft registered, generating business worth $1.3 billion by 2020. Business aviation growth in the region is key to strengthening global ties and bolstering commercial success.”

This year's Meba has grown by 16 per cent over the 2012 edition, with more exhibitors from more countries participating at the event.

“MEBA is already enjoying a fantastic response from visitors and exhibitors. The site looks fantastic, the static display is incredible, with some of the world's most respected players showing their most impressive craft, and we anticipate some exciting business deals week, as the event underlines its importance to the world business aviation sector,” Al Naqbi said. – TradeArabia News Service