AVEX sponsor Gulfstream targets Africa and Middle East

In a recent interview with business information group, naseba, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp’s Vice President of communication, Jeff Miller said: “The overall market is shifting from North America to global markets, and certainly the Middle East is one of our major markets.”

This dynamic shift instigated Gulfstream’s participation as gold sponsor at the AVEX International Airshow – the Africa and Middle East aviation platform - taking place from November 7th – 10th 2010 at the Sharm El Sheikh International Airport in Egypt.

Miller said: “Our participation at AVEX reflects our growing commitment to international operators. We support more than 120 aircraft across the Middle East and Africa today and look forward to meeting present and potential customers at AVEX.

“We will be at the show with at least one long-range jet and one mid-range jet.  Both types serve the region well, depending on customer mission.”

Above: Gulfstream's G450 parked at the Aircraft Showcase Park during AVEX Airshow 2008 in Sharm El Sheikh.

According to media reports, there are several positive developments taking place within the African aviation industry, with several airlines expanding their services further into the continent.

British Airways will resume flights to Zimbabwe this year following a two-year absence, in a move expected to increase tourist arrivals into the country.

UAE carrier Emirates has also started flights to Angola, its 17th African destination, while the Emirates Group took another step forward late last year when it announced a joint agreement with the Government of Senegal, paving the way for Emirates to support Senegal Airlines.

Arik Air, Nigeria’s largest commercial airline, is also expanding its already extensive regional services with the launch of flights between Abuja and Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia) and Dakar (Senegal). The new services are Arik Air’s first from Nigeria’s capital, Abuja to destinations in West Africa.
 
The four-day AVEX: International Airshow – under the patronage of Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Ahmed Shafik – is the Africa and Middle East’s aviation platform. It will feature an indoor and outdoor exhibition, international airports pavilion, aircraft showcase park and static displays, a prestigious awards ceremony and aerobatic flying displays by international military and private teams.

According to the show’s organisers, naseba, the first two days of this year’s air show have been set aside as business days with the last two days being open to the public.