Abu Dhabi Air Expo generates AED One billion in signed deals.

Monday 19th March 2012

-10,700 visitors attend the first General Aviation show hosted by ADAC at Al Bateen Executive Airport-

19 March 2012 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has announced the total value of deals signed at the region's first general aviation exhibition, Abu Dhabi Air Expo reached above AED 1 billion.

The show saw more than 10,700 visitors and 105 exhibitors from local, regional and international companies.The exhibition was opened by His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Vice-Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, alongside honorary attendees from Royal families and senior dignitaries from the GCC.

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), one of the key participants and industry stakeholder, has supported Abu Dhabi Air Expo since its announcement late last year. And in recognition of ADAC's successful initiative of hosting the region's first General Aviation Exhibition Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali, GCAA, awarded Mr. Yousif Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for Abu Dhabi Air Expo, Deputy General Manager, Al Bateen Executive Airport, an appreciation certificate from the GCAA.

Captain Al Ali said: "Abu Dhabi Air Expo will help develop and enlarge the aviation industry in the region, with the show demonstrating Abu Dhabi's continuous commitment in developing the dynamic aviation sector and position the capital as the centre for industry innovations. GCAA are proud to support the inaugural show and look forward to future successes."

Exhibitors too were pleased with the outcome of the event. James Coak, Commercial Manager for Abu Dhabi based Rotana Jet commented, "The quality of visitors was higher than expected and we've actually achieved some very strong leads".

Whilst Tony Fitzpatrick Sales Director, Middle East, Embraer Executive Jet said, "It has been an interesting show with some good leads. This has the potential to be one of the most important shows in the region."

Abu Dhabi Air Expo witnessed several significant announcements including ADAC's own agreements with Falcon Aviation Services and R Offices. The show also inaugurated the AOPA UAE, as the 70th local AOPA to join the International Association of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA).

Falcon Aviation Services used Abu Dhabi Air Expo to host two children from the Make A Wish Foundation making their dream of becoming a pilot come true during the event.

Other participants also used the show as a platform to announce their latest innovations, agreements and ventures.Key signings included:

• Qatar Executive appointed newest Bombardier Authorized Service Facility in the Middle East.
• Jet Aviation was announced "The Best Handler of the Year 2011" by Jepessen.
• Abu Dhabi Aviation signed an agreement with Mubadala to establish an aviation simulation center, and also signed with Agusta Westland to launch an aircraft maintenance centre.
• Saudi Private Aviation (SPA) confirmed it is now officially the largest single customer of Dassault Falcon 7X aircraft after taking delivery of its fourth trijet this week. The aircraft is on display at Abu Dhabi Air Expo this week, just days after the official handover from Dassault.
• During the event, the TBM 850 aircraft was showcased. The TBM 850 is the world's fastest turboprop, with a maximum speed of 745kph (402 knots) and a range of 2,780km (1,500nm).
• The Ministry of Interior showcased an air ambulance during its participation at Abu Dhabi Air Expo, supported by Brigadier commodore Ali Al Mazrouei, Director of Abu Dhabi Police Air Wing Department.
• Saudi pilot Sami Al Refai revealed that he will be the first Arabian pilot to make a tour around the world starting from Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi next month.

The Air Expo also assisted in creating an opportunity to engage the general public and community in its activities, as the show welcomed more than 600 students from various colleges and institutions in Abu Dhabi, invited by ADAC, to view what the aviation industry has to offer to the younger generations. Peter Fraser, Aviation Training Manager at the Aviation College of Kuwait commented, "Those that visited our stand showed a great deal of interest in training within the industry, it was well worth our while attending."

Commenting on the popularity of the show Al Hammadi said:

"ADAC is proud of the remarkable success of Abu Dhabi Air Expo. The number of visitors welcomed at the show combined with the generated value of signed agreements is a clear indication of Abu Dhabi's strong position as a key aviation hub for the region."

"Within the corporate aviation market it's sometimes difficult to distinguish the exact number of aircraft that are sold as buyers are very often kept anonymous. However, ADAC estimates that more than one billion Dirham worth of business deals have been officially signed during the exhibition" Added Al Hammadi.Visitors to the show also enjoyed a daily air display performed by Al Fursan Aerobatic team and the Emirates Sky Diving team along with a daring display by the famous Captain Zoltan Veres, owner of five Guinness World records in aerobatic displays.

For more information about the show, please visit:

www.albateenairport.ae or www.adac.ae

About Abu Dhabi Air Expo:

Abu Dhabi Air Expo was held for the first time in the Middle East at Al Bateen Airport from 6-8 March and was a platform for industry leaders and experts to share and showcase latest developments in general aviation.

The three day show covered key developments and innovations in non-commercial aircraft, jets, helicopters, equipment, manufacturers, services, pilot training schools, accessories, avionics, insurance and financing.In addition, Air Expo held a number of conferences presented by experts in the aviation field such as Bruce Landsberg AOPA Safety Foundation, President, Flight Safety International; Pr. Heinrich Bülthoff, Max Plank Institute of Technology; and Dr. Daniel Lütolf, Managing Director, SAC Swiss Aviation Consultants GmbH, who have together added immense value to the caliber and appeal of the programme schedule.

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 kilometers 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. It is easily accessible off the Abu Dhabi to Dubai highway, making the centre of Dubai a short motorway journey of 1hr 15mins. It is also a short distance from the famous Yas Island complex of the F1 Yas Marina Circuit and Ferrari World, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, world famous championship golf courses and the amazing development of Saadiyat Island.

Benefits:

• Only dedicated private aviation airport in the region
• Fast & efficient turnarounds
• Ideal location in the city centre close to central business district
• Parking for over 100 aircraft (apron and hangar)
• Business Campus - full business traveller facilities and stand-alone offices
• One-stop-shop Business Jet Specialists
• Fuel, handling, and other FBO services
• Aircraft charter
• Related aviation business access
• Aviation education and training

Al Bateen Executive's new DhabiJet FBO service offers:-

• Fastest possible transit time 'door to door' for passengers and crew.
• A single point of contact for all requirements.
• An experienced and dedicated DhabiJet Customer Services Team.
• No airside delays, rapid refuelling and cabin servicing.
• A full range of competitively priced FBO Services including lounge hospitality, concierge service, hotel and limousine reservations all co-ordinated on a one stop shop basis.
• Top Quality lounge facilities for passengers' and crew.
• Full on site support for immigration and customs.
• Boardroom style meeting facilities.

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