Record visitor numbers expected for MEBA show

Dubai Airshow organiser F&E said it is preparing to welcome a record number of visitors, including high net-worth individuals, to the Middle East Business Aviation show (MEBA), where they will have the world’s pick of the latest in private jets.

Taking place at Dubai’s Airport Expo from 7 to 9 December 2010, MEBA is organised on behalf of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) and is a magnet for every business aviation manufacturer, aircraft management company, aircraft broker and service provider, who are eager to showcase their products and services in a region which is still seeing an increasing demand for private air travel.

MEBA is expected to attract more than 7,000 people who will be able to tour an exhibition area of some 350 stands where they can update themselves on the latest, as well as future models in aircraft design and technology, and browse through the entire range of supply chain companies, from MRO suppliers and aircraft interior designers to management and flight chartering brokers.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to be invited on board actual business jets and experience the luxury and comfort of more than 70 aircraft on display outside on the airfield.

Hospitality chalets lining the aircraft display park are traditionally a sanctuary for companies to network with their clients and for visitors to negotiate deals in privacy.

Visitors wishing to arrange breakfast and lunchtime meetings can pre-book corporate hospitality tables in the F&E Aerospace chalet which overlooks the aircraft display park.

Top international business aviation manufacturers showcasing their aircraft and services include Boeing, Airbus, Gulfstream, Dassault, Bombardier, Embraer, Cessna and Hawker Beechcraft.

In addition to the manufacturers, the region’s top aviation companies will be represented in every industry sector, such as Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), Dubai World Central-Aviation City, Abu Dhabi’s Royal Jet, Saudi Arabia’s MAZ Aviation, Lebanon’s Executive Airport Services (EAS), and Jordan’s Arab Wings.

Alison Weller, Managing Director of F&E Aerospace, said: “We are bringing the world’s top business aviation manufacturers and companies to the UAE to give corporates and high net-worth individuals the opportunity to see and experience what’s on offer in the business aviation industry, all in one place. They will be able to meet with the top aviation professionals and discuss with them the most ideal fit of aircraft for their requirements, whether for corporate or family use.

“The business aviation industry was not immune to the recent global economic downturn and many companies are now willing to encourage purchasing again by offering aircraft at very attractive rates, so I strongly urge people not to miss their chance to come and enjoy a show that comes around just once every two years, and they may be in luck with acquiring the right aircraft at the right price!”

The last MEBA show in November 2008 attracted 250 exhibitors from 30 countries and over 5,500 visitors, resulting in US$1.5 billion worth of orders.

Visitors can register online now to pay just US$20 for three days’ attendance; the price at the door is US$35. They can also pre-book hospitality tables at the F&E Aerospace chalet, both online at www.meba.aero