ABU DHABI Airports has reported that the total value of sales at Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2014, the region’s only general aviation exhibition, reached in excess of Dh5 billion ($1.36 billion), 35 per cent higher than the sales generated at last year’s exhibition.
The successful show, which ran from February 25 to 27 in its third year, also saw a 30 per cent increase in attendance, with 16,900 visitors and 175 exhibitors from local, regional and international companies participating. The sales in general aviation included 10 sales by ultralight planes manufacturer Aeroprakt, sale of three new SR22 Cirrus Aircraft with GCC specifications, more than 10 sales by German Gyro Copter manufacturer AutoGyro and sale of three aircraft (P2010 and P2008) by Tecnam. In addition to the sales of aircraft and other related equipment, several other important commercial developments and announcements were made during the Abu Dhabi Air Expo. • The Gulf Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) entered into an open skies agreement with Hungary.• Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) officially opened its newly constructed 106,000 square foot authorised Embraer Service Centre, making it one of the largest Executive Maintenance and Repair Operations (MROs) in the Middle East. • FAS also signed a letter of intent with Bombardier for the delivery of up to two C Series aircraft. • Royal Jet, the Abu Dhabi-based international luxury flight services company, announced that the planning and development of its integrated base at Al Bateen Executive Airport is well underway with first phase completion targeted for the last quarter of 2015.• Abu Dhabi Aviation, the largest helicopter operator in the Middle East, entered into a strategic partnership with Agusta Westland for the supply of helicopter spare parts and maintenance services.• Abu Dhabi Aviation also announced the delivery of the first AW139 simulator in the region, and the establishment of a specialised civilian helicopter training centre.Visitors to the show were also treated to a daily air display performed by Al Fursan Aerobatic team and Emirates Sky Diving team along with a daring display by the famous Captain Zoltan Veres, owner of five ‘Guinness Book of World Records’ in aerobatic displays.