Gulf to get first General Aviation exhibition

The Abu Dhabi Air Expo will take place at Al Bateen business aviation airport on March 6-8 2012. and the organisers are hoping that light aircraft pilots and owners will make the trip to Abu dhabi to support the burgeoning light end of the industry in the region.
From ultralights to transcontinental jets, including an array of services such as flight schools, equipment, and financing; players in the sector will gather to share their latest innovations. The organisers are planning on an annual event.
With an increase in overall aircraft sales of more than 35% in only two years for all segments (Piston aircraft, Turboprops, Jets), and a nearly 10% share of the global market, the Middle East is the only region experiencing such strong growth, the organisers said in a press release last night.
“Al Bateen Airport experienced a 40% increase in jet traffic over the first 6 months of this year compared to last year. With more and more requests from aircraft operators to establish their businesses here, it is logical for us to respond to this demand by creating a major international general aviation event,” said Steve Jones, general manager at Al Bateen.

Didier Mare, Adone Events chief executive said:' “Our expertise in aviation exhibitions and communications enables us to propose an event that is affordable for manufacturers and interesting for visitors. Effectively, over the last six years with the Cannes Airshow we have created a unique event where all of the exhibitors are gathered on the static display alongside their aircraft. The largest manufacturers in general aviation put their trust in us each year in Cannes to attract a large audience of potential buyers; without a doubt Abu Dhabi Air Expo will bring the most dynamic companies together each year!”

The orgianisers have set optimistic targets to fill Nearly 70,000 m² of exhibition space and plan for 150 aircraft on static display and nearly 300 brands and distributors to offer their products and services to an expected 15,000 visitors from throughout the region