AfBAA Expo welcomes leading OEMs

The exhibition, which will run in conjunction with the Marrakech Airshow, has received confirmed chalet sponsorship and static display commitments from Beechcraft, Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Embraer and Gulfstream, all of which recognise the value of a truly integrated event that represents the complete spectrum of the continent’s business aviation activity.

The show, which will be located at Marrakech’s FRA Airport, will cover 50,000 square metres with a layout that will enable the OEMs to arrange dedicated demonstration flights directly from the static display owing to ease of access to the runway for take-off and landing. A key differentiator between this and other aviation exhibitions is that the formula for the show has been developed by key African business aviation leaders represented by AfBAA. Their extensive experience working with leading OEMs and their specific understanding of the requirements of the African business aviation community has resulted in an exhibition that will add value for all exhibitors and attendees.

Tarek Ragheb (above), chairman of AfBAA, said: “We have created a show that really gets to the heart of what the business aviation community in Africa needs as it further strengthens its position on the global stage.”

“We are committed to encouraging participation, discussion and debate amongst delegates about adopting best practice and standards ensuring sustainable business growth and creating a true pan-African network to support business aviation.”

To fulfil its advocacy commitment in Africa, AfBAA continues to lobby governments and civil aviation authorities to participate in the growth of the sector. Consequently in addition to the regular static display opportunity, chalets and exhibition booths AfBAA Expo is organising a gala dinner which will provide a springboard for an evening of networking between exhibitors, delegates and authorities at the event. This will be complemented by a prestigious evening event which sees business aircraft owners exclusively invited to a private gala dinner.

The dinner aims to provide OEMs with the opportunity to meet HNWI, VIP executives, and government figures to discover more about their growing needs on the African continent. It is anticipated that the newly created AfBAA Expo will provide a lively sales and transaction environment supported by the continued expansion of the business aviation sector in Africa.
This will be the first time that the Marrakech Airshow will have an integrated business aviation component and reflects the growing importance of the sector to the African continent.

“AfBAA is extremely excited by the prospect of the show and expects that the African aviation community will welcome the opportunities provided to meet with the key relevant players in the market” commented Rady Fahmy, executive director of AfBAA. “The Association’s pledge to bring together African aviation companies from a wide variety of sectors is paramount to generating successful future business and with seven of the world’s leading growth economies to be found on the continent we know that a significant amount of business will take place during the show,” he continued.