(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Middle East Business Aviation, or Meba, opened on Monday at its permanent new home at Dubai World Central with record line-up of 422 exhibitors.
The show, spread across 75,000 sqm, including 26 chalets and a static display area, has on showcase up to 50 business aircraft. Among the aircraft on display are an Airbus Corporate Jet ACJ391, a Boeing Business Jet 737-300 as well as aircraft from Bombardier, Gulfstream and many others.
The opening day witnessed an announcement from Boeing Business Jets about its most year-to-date sales in six years with 13 orders. About 30 per cent of BBJ sales have come from customers from the Middle East, Boeing said.
Boeing Business Jets also announced an order for two BBJ MAX 8s to Comlux, a Swiss-based VIP charter operator.
"The two BBJ MAX 8s are a great addition to the Comlux fleet because they give our customers the flexibility to fly farther and more comfortably thanks to the lower cabin altitude," said Richard Gaona, president and chief executive officer of Comlux.
"The market for Boeing Business Jets is strong with the first return to double-digit sales since the economic downtown of 2008," said Captain Steve Taylor, BBJ president. "The Middle East region remains strong for both twin-aisle and single-aisle VIP airplanes. The Middle East represents the largest hub for BBJ 747s used for heads of state and private individuals."
All but one of the nine BBJ 747-8s that have been ordered are for customers in the Middle East. Fifty-five percent of BBJ 777 orders and fifty percent of BBJ 787 orders are for customers based in the Middle East.
"Our customers require the capability to connect nonstop across the globe," Taylor said. "That unmatched range, along with premier comfort that only a BBJ provides, make our airplanes the preferred choice for head-of-state customers and private individuals in the Middle East."
There is an increased presence by commercial airlines this year for the three-day show, with Emirates Executive and Etihad joining returning exhibitors Qatar Executive and Saudia Private Aviation.
Ali Al Naqbi, founding chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association, or Mebaa, said that by attracting exhibitors from across the globe, show underscores its position as the place to explore opportunities in business aviation for new and existing users.
The business aviation market in the Middle East is predicted to reach 1200 registered aircraft, 175,000 movements and a total sector value of $1.3 billion by 2020, according experts. The show has attracted new exhibitors including Saudi charter provider Alpha Star, completions house Greenpoint Technologies and US fixed-base operator XJet, which is opening a base at DWC.
One of the highlights this year is a Futures Day tomorrow, in which 400 local engineering students are being invited.
The Mebaa will also launch its first spin-off show in Casablanca next September, and intends to hold similar events throughout the wider Middle East.
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