Aviation expo opens in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2014, the region’s fastest growing general aviation exhibition, opened in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al-Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, who inaugurated the three-day event also toured a number of aircraft exhibiting companies to view the latest trends and innovations in the general aviation industry.
The show is taking place at Al Bateen Executive Airport, Abu Dhabi's dedicated business aviation airport. A number of companies from the GCC countries, including Alpha Star Aviation Services from Saudi Arabia, are participating in the event.
Over 170 companies are showcasing latest innovations and development in the aviation sector, related to non-commercial aircraft, jets, helicopters, equipment, manufacturers, services, pilot training schools, accessories, avionics, insurance and financing.
Key exhibitors include Dassault Aviation, Airbus Corporate Jets, Embraer Executive Jets, Bombardier, Gulfstream, Bell Helicopter, Boeing Business Jet and Daher Socata. "Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a regional leader in the aviation industry and we are very pleased to once again host a first-class general aviation exhibition in the capital. Abu Dhabi Air Expo serves as a dynamic marketplace and networking platform for aircraft enthusiasts and businesses searching for the best aircraft and general aviation-related services,” said Ali Majed Al-Mansoori, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports.
"The show helps to significantly boost the footprint of general aviation industry in Abu Dhabi, which forms part of an ongoing effort to support the development of new business sectors and diversify the Emirates' economy," Al-Mansoori added.
"The private aviation market is witnessing tremendous growth in Abu Dhabi and the wider region, and the numbers speak for themselves. The companies participating at the show stand to gain a unique vantage point to reach out to vibrant markets across the GCC region, including the Middle East, North Africa and South and East Asia region," Al-Mansoori added.
According to statistics, Al Bateen Executive Airport received nearly 5,138 aircraft in 2013 and recorded approximately 1,295 visiting aircraft using the airport last year.
Running alongside the show is a unique art exhibition by artist Sheikha Al-Yazia bint Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan that features paper planes installation from her spontaneity series art collection. The art exhibition is showcased at the Gulf Centre for Aviation Studies (GCAS) located within Al Bateen Executive Airport premises.