MEBA to feature new show developments

F&E Aerospace develops the Middle East Business Aviation show (MEBA) with new focus areas that will attract dedicated buyers in the region taking place 11 to 13 December 2012 at Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport – Dubai World Central.

New to the Middle East’s leading business aviation event is VIPinteriors@MEBA, which will feature the industry’s leading VIP interiors suppliers, the brightest new interior systems and the latest evolutions in cabin design, engineering and completion. In the Middle East, owners of business aircraft for personal or business use - strive for luxury in fittings and interior on their aircraft and this year’s MEBA will provide a great platform for prospective buyers.

The second sector to be launched is BusinessAirports@MEBA - over the past five years MEBA has seen an increase in airport participation at the show and this year’s event will help airports promote their FBO services to encourage owners and operators of business jets to route through their airports.

The Middle East has seen an increase in the use of VIP helicopters and, MEBA 2012 will cater to this growing market by introducing Helicopters@MEBA. This year’s show will offer increased space for pavilions and helicopters, also associating with the UAE Armed Forces – via a partnership with the UAE MOD, Presidential Flights, Royal Air Wing, Police and other Government users of VIP configured helicopters.

A strong indication of growth and necessary developments in events like MEBA in the region, were highlighted during the NBAA 38th Annual International Operators Conference, where the founding Chairman of Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) Ali Al Naqbi’s paper was presented, forecasting impending growth parameters in the region, with the number of business aircraft expected to grow from the current 453 to 1330 by 2019, and the number of business aircraft movements rising from the present 110,000 to 160,000 by 2012. Business aviation is currently valued at US$ 493 million expected to grow to over US$ 1 Billion by 2018.

Michele Van Akelijen, Event Director at F&E Aerospace, said: “MEBA already attracts a large cross section of these suppliers but by putting the spotlight on them at MEBA 2012 with the launch of VIPinteriors@MEBA, BusinessAirports@MEBA and Helicopters@MEBA this will provide a one stop hub for an owner, operator or prospective buyer to be able to source, purchase, fit out and operate a business aircraft (fixed or rotary) in the region.”