Helishow organisers announce exhibitors

Over 80 international and domestic corporate exhibitors have been confirmed as taking part in this year's Dubai Helishow by organisers The Domus Group.

International contributors from the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, Russia, Turkey, Australia, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Qatar, along with representatives from UAE will meet all together in the show’s new venue- the Grand Stand, Meydan Racecourse of Al Meydan City- this November.

Now in its fifth edition, the three-day event will host helicopter manufacturers, missiles and fire control manufacturers, global aerospace and defense avionics-electronics producers, civil and military aircraft spare parts suppliers and 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.

Exhibitors include: Sikorsky, 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, Gulf helicopters.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has confirmed its attendance to this year’s show following its success in settling a business deal with the United Arab Emirates Airforce worth an estimated $300 million for 60 BlackHawk utility helicopters in 2010. Team Seahawk (Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin), 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.

Bell Helicopters and its UAE independent representatives Hawker Pacific Airservices has announced it will be displaying and promoting ‘the BELL 429’ twin helicopter. Alan Parsons, vice president 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 added: “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.”

The Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, which has been manufacturing helicopters for 50 years, will participate for the very first time in the 2012 trade show. In addition to showcasing its ‘480B Light Turbine Helicopter’, Enstrom senior executives will be in attendance to evaluate the market and meet with potential customers and supporting organisations.

“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. 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,” commented Tracy Biegler, Enstrom’s director of sales and marketing.

Abdulla Abulhoul, director of Dubai Helishow at the Domus Group, said: “Dubai has become the leading center for the most significant international exhibitions for the last 10 years. The increase in the number of exhibitors for 2012 confirms that the Dubai Helicopter Show 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 G.C.C. 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.