Al Bateen Executive Airport to Host the Region’s First General Aviation Exhibition.

Wednesday 24th August 2011

Abu Dhabi Air Expo brings together the major players in general aviation.

24 August 2011, Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) announces the launch of the first and only exhibition dedicated to general aviation in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi Air Expo. The exhibition will be hosted at Al Bateen Executive Airport, the region's only dedicated private jet airport, during March 2012.

Abu Dhabi Air Expo will be brought to the UAE by ADAC in co-operation with Adone, the organizers and host of the Cannes Airshow held annually in Cannes, France over the past five years. With Adone's track record, combined with the growth trend in the UAE aviation industry, bringing this exhibition to Abu Dhabi is a natural evolvement.

The Middle East's general aviation sector witnessed a growth of 30% in 2009 versus 2010 and currently represents more than 10% of the world market share, making it the ideal location for such an exclusive event. Abu Dhabi Air Expo will allow exhibitors to bring aircraft to the static display and share the latest innovations in the general aviation industry. The event, which will include nearly 70,000 m² of exhibition space, will showcase over 100 aircraft and bring together nearly 300 distributors offering their products and services. Some 15,000 visitors are expected to attend from the GCC, Levant, North Africa, and as far afield as Asia and South Africa.

Major participants from international general aviation companies are expected to be exhibiting at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo, coming to the Middle East for the first time. The show will act as a catalyst bringing pilots over to witness firsthand what general aviation has to offer. With everything available on exhibit, from pilot gears and accessories, to aircraft for sale, Abu Dhabi Air Expo will deliver the real excitement of flying.

H.E. Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports Company, said:

"ADAC is proud to host the first exhibition dedicated to general aviation in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi, a premium international destination for business and leisure travelers offering world class facilities and attractions. The impressive 40% increase in traffic that Al Bateen Airport has achieved during the first half of this year makes it the perfect hub for aviation professionals and enthusiasts to share the latest developments in the industry. The Middle East is a very dynamic region for aviation and hosting this event will allow the aviation sector to boost its growth and create more business deals."

About Al Bateen Executive Airport:

Al Bateen Executive Airport is a dedicated business jet airport, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region; conveniently located only a five kilometres from the central business district of Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital.

The downtown location of Al Bateen Executive Airport makes it ideal for users of business jets, whose time is valuable and who have a high-regard for the convenience that personalised jet travel can bring.Benefits.

• Only dedicated private aviation airport in the region • Fast & efficient turnarounds• Ideal location in the city centre close to central business district • Over 90 parking/maintenance spaces in hangars for different aircraft sizes + 20 apron parking stands • Luxury Hotel (planned) • Business Campus - full business traveller facilities and stand-alone offices • One-stop-shop Business Jet Specialists o Fuel, handling, and other FBO services o Air Taxis o Vendor/Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) access o Related aviation business access o Aviation education and training

About Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC)

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Government. It was incorporated by Amiri Decree number 5, issued on 4 March 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure. In September 2006, ADAC assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, ADAC added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive private aviation airport), and Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travellers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi's development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.

Currently under way is the multi-billion dollar re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 20 million passengers per year. As part of this redevelopment, a second runway and a third terminal have been completed.

www.adac.ae