The first edition of Dubai HeliConference, the Middle East’s only dedicated conference for the helicopter industry, kicked off today (April 17) at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai.

Held under the support of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and chairman of the Emirates Group, and backed by the Dubai Helishow - the biennial Helicopter Technology and Operations Exhibition, the show will run until April 18.

Honeywell, a Fortune 100 company that creates solutions for improving the quality of life of people around the globe, has stated that approximately 3,900 to 4,400 civilian helicopters will be delivered worldwide between 2017 and 2021. Based on a five-year customer survey, 22 per cent from the Middle East are expected to purchase civilian helicopters for fleet replacement or expansion, making it the second-highest new purchase rate.

As for the usage, 31 per cent will cater to general utility while 27 per cent will be for the corporate sector. In addition, 15 per cent will be used in law enforcement, 13 per cent for both emergency/medical and oil and gas use, and 1 per cent by media. With a highly optimistic purchase outlook for turbine-powered, civilian helicopters, Dubai HeliConference 2017 offers a perfect platform to gain industry insights, receive future outlook about the market, and meet stakeholders. - TradeArabia News Service